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Microfiche 

Series. 


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Collection  de 
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Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microraproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  da  microraproductions  historiquas 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notea/Notaa  tachniquas  at  bibilographlquaa 


Tha  Instituta  haa  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  avaiiabia  for  filming.  Faaturat  of  thia 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographically  uniqua. 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  changa 
tha  usual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chackad  balow. 


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Couvartura  da  coulaur 


I     I   Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagia 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurte  at/ou  paiiicuite 


I     I   Cover  title  missing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


r~~~|   Coloured  maps/ 


Cartas  giographiquas  en  couleur 


□   Coloured  inic  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

□   Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  an  couleur 

□    Bound  with  other  material/ 
Rali6  avac  d'autres  documents 


Tight  binding  may  causa  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

Lareliure  serrie  peut  causer  de  I  ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  la  long  de  la  marge  IntArieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  tha  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouttes 
•oro  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dana  la  texte, 
mais.  lorsque  cela  Atait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  4tt  filmAas. 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  4t4  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographiqua,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  repn>duite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exJger  une 
modification  dans  la  mAthoda  normala  de  filmaga 
sont  indiqute  ci-dessous. 


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Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagtes 

Pagea  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaur4as  et/ou  pelliculAes 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  dAcolortes,  tachet^es  ou  piqu6as 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d6tach6es 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Quality  in^gala  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprand  du  mattriai  supplAmentaira 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Mition  diaponibia 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partialiement 
obscurcies  par  un  fauillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6tA  filmtos  it  nouveau  de  fapon  A 
obtanir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


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Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplAmentaires: 


Irragular  pagination:  [I]  -  464, 467  •  468. 469  -  470, 466  -  466, 471  -  472  p. 


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Ce  document  est  f  ilmA  au  taux  da  reduction  indiqu6  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

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16X 

20X 

24X 

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32X 

tails 

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Tha  copy  fllmad  hart  haa  baan  raproduead  thanka 
to  tha  OMaroalty  of: 

Library  of  tha  Public 
Archivas  of  Canada 

Tha  Imagaa  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  baat  quality 
poaaibia  conaMaring  tha  condition  and  lagibllity 
of  tha  original  copy  and  In  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacif icationa. 


Original  copiaa  in  printad  papar  covara  ara  fllmad 
baglnning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  laat  paga  with  a  printad  or  illuatratad  Impraa- 
alon,  or  tha  back  covar  whan  appropriata.  Ail 
othar  original  copiaa  ara  fllmad  baglnning  on  tha 
firat  paga  with  a  printad  or  illuatratad  impras- 
sion,  and  anding  on  tha  laat  paga  with  a  printad 
or  illuatratad  Impraaaion. 


Tha  laat  racordad  frama  on  aach  microfiche 
ahali  contain  tha  aymbol  — ^>(maanlng  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  aymbol  ▼  (moaning  "END"), 
whichavar  appliaa. 


L'axampiaira  fllmi  fut  raproduit  grica  i  la 
gAnirositi  da: 

La  bibliothAqua  das  Archivas 
publiquas  du  Canada 

Laa  Imagaa  aulvantaa  ont  4t*  raproduitas  avac  la 
plus  grand  soin,  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattatA  da  l'axampiaira  film*,  at  an 
conformity  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
fllmaga. 

Laa  axampiairas  originaux  dont  la  couvartura  an 
paplar  aat  ImprimAa  sent  fllmte  an  commandant 
par  la  pramlar  plat  at  an  tarmlnant  soit  par  la 
darnlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  amprainta 
d'Impraasion  ou  d'iilustration.  soit  par  la  sacond 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  las  autras  axampiairas 
originaux  aorjt  fiimia  an  commanpant  par  la 
pramlAra  piga  qui  comporta  una  amprainta 
d'Impraasion  ou  d'iilustration  at  an  tarmlnant  par 
la  darnlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  talla 
amprainta. 

Un  daa  symbolas  suivants  apparattra  sur  la 
darnitra  imaga  da  chaqua  microflcha,  salon  la 
caa:  la  symbols  -»>  signlf la  "A  SUIVRE".  la 
symbols  ▼  signifia  "FIN". 


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heginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  framea  as 
required.  The  following  diegrema  iiluatrata  the 
method: 


Lea  cartes,  pienches,  tableeux,  etc..  peuvent  fttre 
fllmto  A  das  taux  da  reduction  diffirants. 
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reprodult  en  un  soul  ciichA,  11  est  f llmA  A  partir 
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'4. 


f^ 


HISTORY 


't 


or 


THE  WAR, 


M 


BETWEEN  THE 

UmTED  STATES  JUVD  GREAT-BHITAm, 

WHICH  COMMENeEB  IN  JUNE,  ltl2,  AND  CliOSBD  IN  VEB.  1815  ; 

CONTAINING 

THE  CORRESPONDENCE  WHICH  PASSED  BETWEEN 
THE  TWO  GOVERNMENTS,  IMMEDIATELY  PRE- 
CEDING, AND  SINCE  HOSTILITIISS  COMMENC- 
ED;  THE  DECLARATION  OF  WAR,    AND 
THE   OFFICIAL    REPORTS  OF    LAND  ^ 

AND  NAVAL  ENGAGEMENTS. 


./rro  ;iy^  jr^' 


't^^, 


COMPILED  «HtEVUT  VKOM 

PUBLIC  DOCUMENTS. 

WITH  AN 

APPENDIX, 


-h.    .  GOHTAININO 

THE  G<»BEBPONDBNCE  WHICH  PASSED  BETWEEN  OUB  COHHISnON- 
KE8,  AND  THOSE  APPOINTED  BT  GEBAT-BRITaIN,  IN  TBBATIMO  rOK 

PEACE. 

TO  WHICH  IS  ADDED, 

0     THE  TREATY  OF  PEACE, 

AND  A  LIST  OF  VESSELS  TAKEN  FROM  &.  BRITAIN 
DURING  THE  WAR. 


"^■■■i. 


COMPILiBD 

Bt  J.  RUSSELL,  Jb. 


si" 


HARTFORD: 
PRINTED  AND  PUBUSHED  BT  B.  &c  J.  RUSSEIX. 

^  1815. 


A  ■ 


/:='- 


f^flKt 


Dislnd  of  Counecltcul,  ss. 

TUS.?  ^^-'^^'  REMEMBERED,  Thalon  the 
TiJi^K  tenth  lUty  of  July y  in  the  Fortieth  year  of 
the  Jntkpendeuce  of  the  United  States  of  Americttt 
B.  SC  J.  Russellj  of  the  said  District,  deposited  in  this 
ofive  the  title  of  a  Ho6k,  the  right  whereof  they  claim 
as  Proprietors,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit, 

*  The  Ilistorjf  of  the  If  or,  between  the  United  States 
*and  Great  Britain,  which  commenced  in  Ju\te,  1812, 

*  and  closed  in  Feb  1815,  contatning  the  correspondence 

*  which  passed  between   the  two  Governments  immedi- 

*  alely  preceding   and  since  hostilities  commenced  ;  lite 
^declaration  oj  War,  and  the  official  reports  of  land 

*  an^d  naval  engagements,  compiled  chicjly  from  ptihlic 

*  documents.      M  ilh  an  appendix,  containing  the  cor- 

*  rcspondence  which  passed  between  onr  Commissioners 

*  and  those  appointed  by  Great  Britain,  in  treating  for 

*  peace.     To  which  is  added  the  Treaty  of  Peace,  and 

*  a  list  of  vessels  taken  from   Great  Britain  during 

*  the  War.    Compiled  by  J.  RUSSELL;  Jr.' 

In  conformity  to  tlieactofthe  Congress  of  the  Uni- 
ted  States,  entitled,  "  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of 
« learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and 
«  Booh,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies, 
"  during  the  times  therein  mentioned." 

HENRY  W.  EDWARDS. 
Clerk  of  the  District  of  C^nnecli^nt. 
A  true  copy  of  Record,  examined  and  sealed  by  me, 
H.   W.  Edwards, 

Clerk  of  the  District  of  Connecticut 


't:.."q:« 


i-X',/*. 


■--  *, 


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:■■■  'y--^nr:*? 


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f\ 


INTRODUCTION. 


& 


AN  history  of  recent  transactions,  must  alua^ji)- 
be  executed  under  many,  and  great  disadvantages. 

In  a  time  of  war,  many  important  occurrences  arc 
but  imi)erfectly  known,  till  the  trutli  is  elicited  by  legal 
investigation  ;  and,  iiti  addition  to  this,  the  feelings  of 
men  are  so  ardent,  that  an  author  cannot  be  expected 
to  be  wholly  impartial,  when  recounting  those  events, 
in  which  himself,  or  his  friends,  have  acted  a  conspi- 
cuous part. 

Tiie  publishers  were,  therefore,  of  opinion,  that  at 
the  present  time,  the  most  useful  History  of  the  War, 
would  be  a  faithful  collection  of  Official  State  Papers, 
and  accounts  of  Military  operations.  Such  a  work 
cannot  be  tared  with  partiality ;  and,  it  is  presumed, 
will  be  perused  with  interest  by  every  American,  wha 
values  his  national  rights,  and  whose  bosom  glows,  at 
the  recital  of  those  deeds  of  valor,  which  have  exalt- 
ed the  honor  of  his  country. 

If,  in  some  instances.  Commanding  Officers  have 
seemed  to  manifest  a  want  of  candor,  it  ought  still  to 
be  remembered  by  the  public,  that  they  wrote  iu  the 
heat  of  the  occasion ;  and,  often,  while  agonizing  un- 
der wounds  received  from  an  exasperated  enemy. 
Modern  Histories  of  Campaigns,  are  not,  to  say  the 
least,  more  candid,  and  are,  surely,  less  entitled  to 
apology.  This  collection  of  Documents  can  never 
become  a  useless  volume ;  for,  besides  furnishing  the 
best  evidence  of  fact  to  the  inquisitive  reader,  and  fu- 
ture historian,  it  is  a  ready  munuel,  by  which  every  en- 
quirer after  trutli,  can  at  once  adduce  the  best  evidence 
on  questions  which  affect  the  character  of  the  Ameri- 
can nation,  relative  to  her  military  prowess.  Our 
readers  will  feel  satisfied,  after  its  perusal,  that  they 
possess  all  the  Official  information,  which  can  be  ob- 
tained, relative  to  the  military  movements,  and  bra- 


tf'-l;' 


'-li 


I' 


iv 


INTRODUCTION. 


very  and  skill  of  our  countrymen  in  the  field  of  bnttle. 
perhaps,  in  some  instances,  the  losses  and  suftVrings 
ot  the  armies  of  both  nations,  have  not  been  fully  as- 
certained ;  so  wide  is  the  field,  that  it  \u  somewhat 
difficult  to  collect  all  the  facts.  On  the  water,  where 
"we  have  been  peculiarly  successful,  the  official  ac- 
counts more  fully  and  explicitly  state  the  loss,  as  well 
as  the  comparative  skill  and  bravery  of  the  contend* 
ing  parties. 

In  the  list  of  public  and  private  vessels  taken  from 
the  enemy  during  the  war,  we  have  not  given  the 
ivhole  number  of  men  and  guns,  on  board  of  a  large 
proportion  of  the  merchant  vessels,  as  it  was  never 
officially  stated.  In  every  instance  of  this  kind, 
xvhere  we  could  not  obtam  correct  information,  we 
bave  lefl  the  number  blank.  We  are  sorry  to  say  it  is 
■wholly  out  of  our  power  to  accompany  the  list  of 
prizes  with  a  correct  list  of  the  vessels  we  have  lost  ^. 
the  enemy  never  having  made  a  public  statem-^nt 
of  their  prizes,  we  could  not  collect  them  from  anj 
authentic  source* 


/* 


1>      :  4 


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PrMideat'i 
MeMre  M 

Orders  ii 

Adjastmen 
Sfonroeani 


President's 

Monroe  ant 

Act, 


The  Presid( 
Report  of  U 
Declaration 
Teas,  and  ^ 
House  of 
Promulgatic 


The  first  Pri 
The  first  Pri 
Monroe  and 

and  Berlii 
President's  I 
Mr   Russell 

Orders  in 
Order  in  Co 
Loss  of  Gen. 
Huirs  ProGli 
Skirmishiog 


.  t 


,    ^■»-»  ■'■•■■<}  l> 


CONTENTS. 


IV  ♦>!:>'       CHAPTER  I. 


.;.  t 


Page 

Pmldent'i  Menage,  9 

Measra  Monroe  and  Foster's  Official  Letters,  relating  to  tbe 
Orders  in  Council,  Blockades,  and  Impressment  of  Seamen, 

16, 25,  86,  27,  SO,  43, 62, 63,  60 
Adjastment  of  the  affair  ofthe  Chesapeake  Frigate,  66 

Monroe  and  Foster's  Letters  relating  to  the  Chesapeake  affair, 

67,68,60,  70 
"  "    relating  to  the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees,       71,82 


n^:  •:■    V-.,!,!^ 


;>i 


CHAPTER  II. 


President's  Message,  75 

Monroe  and  Fosters  Letters  relating  to  the  Non-Importation 
Act,  -T   '  '^  76,60 

CHAPTER  III. 

The  President's  Manifesto,  SS 

Report  of  the  committee  on  Foreign  Relations,  94 

Declaration  of  War,  109 

Teas,  and  Nays,  on  tbe  Declaration  ci  War,  in  the  Senate,  and 

House  of  Representatives,  ibid. 

Promulgation  of  the  Declaration  of  War,  1 1 1 


CHAPTER  IV. 


;    \ 


The  fint  Prisoner,  112 

The  first  Prize,  113 

Monroe  and  Foster's  Letters,  relating  to  the  Orders  in  Council, 

and  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees,  113,  117,  119 

President's  Message,  132 

Mr   Russell  and  Lord  Castlerea^'g  Letters  relating  to  the 

Orders  in  Council,  122, 123 

Order  in  Council,  131 

Loss  of  Gen.  Hull's  baggage,  133 

Hull's  Proclamation,  to  the  Canadians,  ibid. 

Skirmishiog,  near  Sandwich,  135 


17  I 


■I 


1     ^ 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


CMM<ian  Militit  join  Gen.  Bull, 

Capt  HuH'a,  Victory, 

Ordera  in  Cuuncil  Revoked, 

Gen  Bull's  Statement  ofbi*  SurrcBder, 

Vanhora's  Defeat, 

Battle  at  the  rirer  Raiiin, 


18C 

ibid. 

198 

141 

149 
160 


Ariicltis  orcapilulatkDof  flull'aamiy,aad  Michigan  Territory,  lft3 
Colonels  Cass,  M'Arthur.  Findley  and  Miller  remonstrate 

against  Gen.  Bull's  conduct,  154 

Geo.  Brock's  Proclamation,  to  the  Inhabitants  of  Michigan 

Territory,  161 

A  card  from  Col.  Symmes  to  Gen.  Brock,  _'  :>^  •'  10S 
Capt.  Porter's  Victory,  .     i,         ibid. 


«  «        Letter,  .  -.  i'     J  J . 

Derenee  of  Fort  flarrisoo, 
Ifajors  Jessupvnd  Tayloia'  eorroboratioa  of  Col.  Case*  stale* 

ment, 
SkirmisUBg  at  8t.  John's  river, 

<*  **       at  Cananoqua  and  Ogdensbarg, 

Affair  at  St.  Regis, 
Capt.  Elliot's  victory, 
Evacuation  of  Fort  Chicago, 
Com.  Chauncey's  battle  in  Kingston  harbor, 
Battle  of  ^ueenston,  .,?.,-, 


163 
164 

161 
ibid 
169 
17Q 
171 
174 
177 


,;.;.■'  il 


*»  ', ')  I 


CHAPTER  V. 


Monroe,  Graham,  Russell,  and  Castlereagh's  Letters, 

186, 188,  191,  195,  198,300,  801 
Mr.  Monroe  and  Sir  J.  B.  Warren's  Correspondence,  SOS,  204 
British  Cballange,  and  American  Acceptance,  ,   ^j  ^  208 


'■  I 


Capt.  Jones'  Victory  and  Captvre, 
Com.  Decatur's  Victory, 
Com.  Bainbridge's  Victory, 
Capt.  Lawrence's  Victory, 


CHAPTER  VI, 


f  n,  g-i^ 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Capture  of  Little  York, 

Gen.  Winchester's  Defeat, 

Massacre  of  Winchester's  Army, 

Indian  Expedition, 

Gen.  Smyth's  Expedition, 

Capt.  Forsyth's  Expedition,.  ~-cM\\?r, 


,'?!:0  r-i  v» 


■.«lK>,'; 


209 
Sit 
%\% 
917 


820,  823,  82S 
886 
88a 
88) 
B8i 


'»  :j.' 


flarrison's 
Capture  of 
Capture  of 
Com.  Chai 
veying  tt 
Battle  at  To 
Attack  on 
Naval  Expi 
Majur  Crog 
Loss  of  the 
Capture  of 
Burning  of 
Attack  on 
Capture  of 
Murder  of  i 
Skirmishing 
Destruction 
A  Yankee  1 
Capt.  Burro 


Perry's  Vict 
Capture  of  t 
<CaptureofA 
Gen.  Harrisc 
Fruits  of  Ha 
Tecumseh's 
Conu.  Chaun 
Something  8 
Com.  Roger) 
Col.  Clarke'i 
Massacre  at  I 
Harrison  and 
Wilkinson  ai 


Gens.  Jaeksa 

Indians, 
Gen   Floyd't 
Gen.  Claiboi 


Capt.  Porter' 
Loss  of  Fort 
Burning  of  B 


C0NTINT9* 
CHAPTER  VIII. 

fltrriion't  Battle  ftt  Lower  Banduakj, 
Capture  of  Fort  George, 
Capture  o(  Fort  Erie, 

Com.  Chaaneey's  Letter  to  the  Beeretaiy  of 
wejiog  the  British  Standard,  takeo  at  York, 
Battle  at  forty  mile  creek, 
Attack  on  Saekett'a  Harbor, 
Naval  Expedition  from  Sackett's  Harbor, 
Majur  Croghan's  Victory, 
Lots  of  the  Frigate  Chesapeake, 
Capture  of  LitUe  York,  the  second  time, 
Burning  of  Sodus, 
Attack  on  Craney  Island, 
Capture  of  Hampton, 
Murder  of  John  B.  Graves, 
Skirmishing  at  Fort  George, 
Destruction  of  Indian  towns, 
A  Yankee  Trick,  ^f*'        .v     • 

Capt.  Burrows*  Victory, 

CHAFrER  IX. 

Perry's  Victory, 

Capture  of  the  Domhiico, 

(Capture  of  Maiden, 

Gen.  Harrison's  Victory,  . 

Fruits  of  Harrison*^  Victory,      <      '" 

Tecumseh'a  Speech  to  Gen.  Proctor, 

Con.:.  Cbauncey's  Victory,  '    '"' 

Something  Singular  <  *' ' 

Com.  Rogers'  cruise, 

Col.  Clarice's  Expedition, 

Massacre  at  Fort  Teasaw, 

Harrison  and  Perry's  Proclamation,       ' 

Wilkinson  and  Hampton's  Expedition, 

CHAPTER' X. 


til 


fSS,  tM 
'        837,238 
ibid, 
the  Navy  eoa- 

241 
ibid 
84K 
SU 
24S 
.  ibid 

84t 
tM 
ibid. 

tss 

ibid. 
MS 

ibid. 


•  1 1 


tsi, 


U8^157 
2S9 

ibid. 
S60 
267 

ibid. 
269 
270 

ibid. 
271 
272 
274 
275 


^ 


Gens.  Jackson,  White,  and  Coffeeli  Victorica,  over  the  Creek 

Indians,  276,  277, 878)  280, 284, 388 

Gen   Floyd's  Victory,  281,283 

Gen.  Claiborne's  Victory  282 


;  CHAPTER  XT. 

Capt.  Porter's  cruise, 
Loss  of  Fort  Niagara, 
Burning  of  Buffalo,  and  Black-Rock, 


290 
892 

29S 


\i 


1 1 


fll 


CONTENTS. 


Oapt.  Hoimm*  Vietorj, 
Battle  at  Binncy  Creek, 
Oapt.  Warrin^tuD'•  Virtorf, 
Lous  of  the  Euex  Trigate, 
Capture  of  Oswrgo, 
Gen.  Brown'a  Victoriea, 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Capitulation  of  Alexandria, 
Capture  of  Washington  City, 
Com.  Macdunough'a  Viotorj, 
Burning  of  Petlipauge, 
Attacic  on  Stonington, 
Gen  Gains'  Victory, 
Attacic  on  Baltimore, 
Attaclt  on  Fort  Bowyer, 
Gen.  Brown's  Victory, 
Gen.  Macomb's  Victorf, 
Capt  Blakeley's  Victory, 
Destruction  of  the  Aron, 
Expedition  from  Detroit, 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Capture  of  Pensacola, 

Gen.  Jackson's  Victories  at  New  Orleans, 

Lieut.  Shield's  Expedition  from  New-Orleana, 

Lieut.  Johnson's  Expedition  from  New-OrleaM| 

Gen.  JacicBon's  Address  to  his  army. 

Capture  of  the  frigate  President, 

Capt.  Boyle's  Viatory,  ^ 

Capt.  Mickler's  Victory, 

Gun  Boat  No.  168,  and  the  Erebus  frigate, 

Capt.  Stewart'a  Victory, 


V 


S95 

296 

ibid. 

89« 

aot 

904,306 


soe 
aio,sit 

SI4,dlS 

317 

318 

ibid. 

381 

.     St4 

ibid. 

SS7 

328 

329 

338 


331 

933,334 

336 

Sit 

ibid. 

,       341 

S^ 

345 

346 

348 


APPENDIX.     . 

Correspondence,  which  passed  between  the  Commissioners  of 

the  two  goyernments,  whilst  treating  for  P«>ace.  transmitted  to 

the  Secretary  of  State,  3S0,  ;yS8,  309  364,367  374, 

382,  392,  396,  405, 414,  419, 421,  422 

Treaty  of  Peace,  424 

List  of  Vessels  taken  during  the  War,    •  ■,  435 

Capt.  Biddle's  Victory,  463 


s«^r 


,Ki 


f    .■3'Mji 


^-.:f 


■/*  f 


W 

Tke  Prei 
nicated 
tary,  th 

the  Ho 

IN  call 
from  your 
1  yielded  1 
Dur  foreigi 
time  of  yoi 
ityoffurti 
iigerentpc 
more  unite 
be  pursued 

At  the  c 
hoped  that 
tion  of  the 
our  neutral 
ernment  < 
Council ;  ! 
isting  obsti 
States. 

Instead  i 
and  friends 
were  at  a  i 


}1 


'*. 


HISTORY 


I 


.,•,!.*'    •\  .  :   '.,'1  n 

THE  WAR. 


.■d 


;u 


ii? 


Jrt> 


CHAPTER  I. 

*  .'.'  -■  '■ 

PRESIDENTS  MESSAGE.         oi 

WASHINGTON  OITT,  Tubboat,  Novembek  5,  IQj;. 

The  President  of  the  United  States  this  day  commu- 
nicated by  Mr.  Edtvard  Coles,  his  private  secre- 
tary, thefolUnving  Message  to  Congress — 

FeltoW'Citizens  of  the  Senate,  and  of  '  ' '' 

the  HottK  of  representatives,  '■' ''' 

IN  calling  you  to|^ether  sooner  than  a  separation 
from  your  homes  would  otherwise  have  been  required, 
1  yielded  to  considerations  drawn  from  the  posture  of 
Dur  foreign  affairs ;  and  in  fixing  the  present  for  the 
time  of  your  meeting,  regard  was  had  to  the  probabil- 
ity of  further  developements  of  the  policy  ofthe  bel- 
ligerent powers  towards  this  country,  which  might  the 
more  unite  the  national  councils,  m  the  measures  to 
be  pursued. 

At  the  close  ofthe  last  session  of  Congress,  it  was 
hoped  that  the  successive  confirmations  ofthe  extinc- 
tion of  the  French  Decrees,  so  far  as  they  violated 
our  neutral  commerce,  would  have  induced  the  gov- 
ernment of  GreaUBritain  to  repeal  its  Orders  in 
Council ;  and  thereby  authorise  a  removal  of  the  ex- 
isting obstructions  to  her  commerce  with  the  United 
States. 

Instead  of  this  reasonable  step  towards  satisfaction 
and  friendship  between  the  two  nations,  the  Orders 
were  at  a  moment  when  least  to  have  been  expected. 


■  i 


1. 


I  i 


I 


'mC 


10 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


/ 


\ 


put  into  more  vigorous  execution  ;  and  it  wad  com- 
municated through  the  British  Envoy  just  arrived, 
that  whilst  the  revociition  of  the  Edicts  of  France,  as 
officially  made  known  to  the  British  government, 
was  denied  to  have  taken  place ;  it  was  an  indispen- 
sable condition  of  the  repeal  of  the  British  Orders, 
that  commerce  should  be  restored  to  a  footing,  that 
would  admit  the  productions  and  manufactures  of 
Great-Britain,  when  owned  by  neutrals,  into  markets 
shut  against  them  by  her  enemy ;  the  United  States, 
being  given  to  understand  that,  in  the  mean  time,  a 
continuance  of  their  non-importation  act  would  lead 
to  measures  of  retalit.Son. 

At  a  later  date,  it  has  indeed  appeared,  that  a 
communication  to  the  British  government,  of  fresh 
evidence  of  the  repeal  of  the  French  Decrees  against 
our  neutral  trade,  was  followed  by  an  intimation,  that 
it  had  been  transmitted  to  the  British  Plenipotentiary 
here ;  in  order  that  it  might  receive  full  consideration 
in  the  depending  discussions.  This  communication 
appears  not  to  have  been  received ;  but  the  transmis- 
sion of  it  hither,  instead  of  founding  on  it  an  actual 
repeal  of  the  Orders,  or  assurances  that  the  repeal 
would  ensue,  will  not  permit  us  to  rely  on  any  effect- 
ive change  in  the  British  cabinet.  To  be  ready  to 
meet  with  cordiality  satisfactory  proofs  of  such  a 
change,  and  to  proceed,  in  the  mean  time,  in  adapt- 
ing our  measures  to  the  views  which  hi>ve  been  dis- 
closed through  that  minister,  will  best  consult  our 
.  whole  duty. 

In  the  unfriendly  spirit  of  those  disclosures,  indem- 
nity and  redress  for  other  wrongs  have  continued  to 
be  withheld,  and  our  coasts  and  the  mouths  of  our 
harbors  have  again  witnessed  scenes,  not  less  derog- 
atory  to  the  dearest  of  our  national  rights,  than  vexa- 
tious to  the  regular  course  of  our  trade. 

Among  the  occurrences  produced  by  the  conduct 
of  British  ships  of  war  hovering  on  our  coasts,  was 
an  encounter  between  one  of  them  and  the  American 
frigate  commanded  by  Captain  Rogers,  I'endered 


unavoidal 
menced  i 
mander  k 
unfortuna 
America! 
quiry,  req 
ed  J  'togel 
occurrenc 
Britannic 
the  severa 
the  subjec 
both  the  c 
which  Goi 
interpositit 
has  thougl 
of  the  Uni 
The  jus 
on  the  par 
before  ant 
authorised 
Jiave  follo\i 
were  due  t 
ed  by  its  a 
is  yet  givei 
done  to  thi 
store  the  g 
and  condei 
fecting  oui 
ing  into  qu 
er  belligeri 
just  princi 
prompt  an 
In  addit 
right,  on  th 
reason  to  fa 
pected  res 
French  doi 
not  discont 
restrictions 
United  Sta 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


Ill 


unavoidable  on  the  part  of  the  latter,  by  a  fire  com- 
menced without  cause  by  the  former ;  ivhose  com- 
mander 19  therefore,  alone  chargeable  with  the  blood 
unfortunately  shed  in  maintaining  the  honor  of  the 
American  flag.  The  proceedings  of  a  court  of  en- 
quiry, requested  by  Captain  Rogers,  are  communicat- 
ed ;  together  with  the  correspondence  relating  to  the 
occurrence,  between  the  Secretary  of  State,  and  his 
Britannic  Majesty's  Envoy.  1  o  these  are  added, 
the  several  correspondences  which  have  passed  on 
the  subject  of  the  British  Orders  in  Council ;  and  to 
both  the  correspondence  relating  to  the  Floridas,  in 
which  Congress  will  be  made  acquainted  ^ith  the 
interposition  which  the  government  of  Great-Britain 
has  thought  proper  to  make  against  the  proceedings 
of  the  United  States. 

The  justice,  and  fairness  which  have  been  evinced 
on  the  part  of  the  United  Statestowards  France,  both 
before  and  since  the  revocation  of  her  Decrees, 
authorised  an  expectation  that  her  government  would 
nave  followed  up  that  measure  by  all  such  others  as 
were  due  to  our  reasonable  claims  as  well  as  dictate 
ed  by  its  amicable  professions.  No  proof,  however, 
is  yet  given  of  an  intention  to  repair  the  other  wrongs 
done  to  the  United  States :  and  particularly  to  re- 
store the  great  amount  of  American  property  seized 
and  condemned  under  Edicts,  which,  though  not  af- 
fecting our  neutral  relations,  and  therefore,  not  enter- 
ing into  questions  between  the  United  States  and  oth- 
er belligerents,  were  nevertheless  founded  in  such  un- 
just principles,  that  the  reparation  ought  to  have  been 
prompt  and  ample. 

In  addition  to  this,  and  other  demands  of  strict 
right,  on  that  nation  ;  the  United  States  have  much 
reason  to  be  dissatisfied  with  the  rigorous  and  unex- 
pected restrictions,  to  which  their  trade  with  the 
French  dominions  has  been  subjected :  and  which,  if 
not  discontinued,  will  require  at  least  corresponding 
restrictions  on  importations  from  France  mto  the 
United  States. 


.,1 


'x 


ft 


.  I 


it  it 


1 

1  i 

i 

;   t     1 

■'f    ^ 

i'  1 

:      ji 

1 

'1'  ''i 

1 

::'■! 

1    ' 

J  A  J, 

.u^ 

iM 


12 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


On  all  those  subjects  our  Minister  Plenipotentiary, 
lately  sent  to  Paris,  has  carried  with  him  the  neces- 
sary  instructions ;  the  result  of  which  will  be  commu- 
nicated to  you,  and  by  ascertaining  the  ulterior  policy 
of  the  French  government  towards  the  United  States, 
will  enable  you  to  adapt  to  ittliat  of  the  United  States 
towards  France.  '/  '^ 

Our  other  foreign  relations  remftin  without  unfa-> 
vorable  changes.  With  Russia  they  are  on  the  best 
footing  of  friendship.  The  ports  of  Sweden  have 
afforded  proofs  of  friendly  dispositions  towards  our 
commerce,  in  the  councils  of  that  nation  also.  And 
the  information  from  our  special  Minister  toDenmaric, 
shews  that  the  mission  had  been  attended  with  valua- 
ble effects  to  our  citizens,  whose  property  had  been 
so  extensively  violated  and  endangered  by  cruisers 
under  the  Danish  flag. 

Under  the  ominous  indications  which  commanded 
attention,  it  became  a  duty,  to  €Xjert  the  means  com- 
mitted to  the  Executive  Department,  in  providing  for 
the  general  security.  The  works  of  defence  on  our 
maritime  frontier  have  accordingly  been  prosecuted, 
with  an  activity  leaving  little  to.  he  added  for  the  com- 
pletion of  the  most  important  ones  ;  and  as  particu- 
larly suited  for  co-operation  in  emergencies,  a  portion  of 
the  Gun-Boats  have,  in  particular  harbours,  been  order- 
ed into  use.  The  Ships  of  war  before  in  commission, 
with  the  addition  of  a  Frigate,  have  been  chiefly  em- 
ployed, as  a  cruising  guard  to  the  rights  of  our  coast. 
And  such  a  disposition  has  been  made  of  our  land 
forces,  as  was  thought  to  promise  the  services  most 
appropriate  and  important.  In  this  disposition  is  in- 
cluded a  force,  consisting  of  regulars  and  militia,  em- 
bodied in  the  Indiana  Territory,  and  marched  towards 
our  North  Western  frontier. — This  measure  was 
made  requisite  by  several  murders  and  depredations 
committed  by  Indians ;  but  more  especially  by  the 
menacing  preparations  and  aspect  of  a  combination  of 
Uiem  on  the  Wabash  under  the  influence  and  direc- 
tion of  a  fanatic  of  the  Shawanese  tribe.    With  these 


exceptio: 

positions 

I  mus 

claims  fr 

rights  a  a 

ing  them 

the  protr« 

on  the  pa 

accnmuli 

tries,  all 

friendsbif 

British  Ci 

remedy  f( 

fop  it;  but 

hold  of  4 

existing  c 

the  effect 

With  tl 

ling  on  ri{ 

linquish,  \ 

United  Si 

manded  b 

national  sjc 

I  recom 

be  made  f< 

listments  o 

to  be  enga 

ceptanee  < 

may  court 

detachmen 

tions  of  the 

great  body 

trinsic  caps 

you  of  the 

which,  in  e\ 

part  of  our 

The  mai 

proceeded 

sources  of  a 

emergencie 

for  Conraret 


BISTORY  OF  THE  WIR. 


Id 


ie 
lof 


exceptions  the  Indian  tribes  retain  their  peaceable  dis- 
positions towards  us,  and  their  usual  pursnits. 

I  must  now  add,  that  the  period  is  arrived  which 
cUims  from  the  Legidative  Guardians  of  the  National 
rights  a  system  of  more  ample  provisions  for  maintain- 
ing them«  Notwithstanding  the  scrupulous  justice, 
the  protracted  moderation,  and  the  multiplied  effoiia 
on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  to  substitute  for  the 
accumulating  dangers  to  the  peace  of  the  two  coun- 
tries, all  the  mutual  advantages  of  re-established 
friendship  and  confidence  ;  we  have  seen  that  the 
British  Cabinet  perseveres  not  only  in  withholding  a 
remedy  for  other  wrongs  so  long  and  so  loudly  calling 
for  it ;  but  in  the  execution  brought  home  to  the  thresh- 
hpld  of  our  Territory,  of  measures  which  under 
existing  circumstances,  have  the  character,  as  well  as 
the  effect  of  war  on  our  lawful  commerce. 

With  this  evidence  of  hostile  inflexibility,  in  tramp- 
ling on  rights  which  no  independent  nation  can  re- 
linquish. Congress  will  feel  the  duty  of  putting  the 
United  States  into  an  armor,  and  an  attitude  de- 
manded by  the  crisis,  and  corresponding  with  the 
national  spirit  and  expectations. 

1  recommend  accordingly,  that  adequate  provision 
be  made  for  filling  the  ranks  and  prolonging  the  en- 
listments of  the  regular  troops :  for  an  auxiliary  force, 
to  be  eng^ed  for  a  more  limited  term ;  for  the  ac- 
ceptance of  volunteer  corps,  whose  patriotic  ardor 
may  court  a  participation  in  urgent  services ;  'for 
detachments,  as  they  ifiay  be  wanted,  of  other  por- 
tions of  the  militia ;  and  for  such  a  preparation  of  the 
great  body,  as  will  proportion  its  usefulness  to  its  in- 
trinsic capacities.  Morcan  the  occasion  fail  to  remind 
you  of  the  importance  of  those  military  Seminaries, 
which,  in  every  event,  will  form  a  valuable  and  frugal 
part  of  our  military  establishment. 

The  manufacture  of  cannon  and  small  arms  has 
proceeded  with  due  success,  and*  the  stock  and  re- 
sources of  all  the  necessary  munitions  are  adequate  to 
emergencies.  It  will  not  be  inexpedient,  however, 
i'or  Conrgess  to  authorize  an  enlargement  of  them. 


'  i? 


in  1 


1 1 


-I: 


!  ■  M 


1  '.--i  '1  ,   M-' 


m   a, 


M      I    !       )l 


..■i  1: 1 


14 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAIU 


Yolii'  attention  will  of  course  be  drawn  to  such 
provisions,  on  the  subject  of  our  naval  force,  as  may 
be  required  for  the  services  to  which  it  may  be  best 
adapted.  I  subn/;*;  to  Congress  the  seasonableness 
also,  of  an  authority  to  augment  the  stock  of  such  ma- 
terials, as  are  imperishable  in  their  nature,  or.  may  not 
at  once  be  attainable. 

In  contemplating  the  scenes  which  distinguish  this  • 
momentous  epoch,  and  estimating  their  claims  to  our 
attention,  it  is  impassible  to  overlook  tliose  developing 
themselves  among  the  great  communities  which  oc- 
cupy the  southern  portion  of  our  own  hemisphere,  and 
extend  into  our  neighbourhood.  An  enlarged  philan- 
thropy, and  an  enlightened  forecast,  concur  in  impofr* 
ing  on  the  National  Councils  an  obligation  to  take  a 
deep  interest  in  their  destinies  :  to  cherish  reciprocal 
sentiments  of  good  will  ;  to  regard  the  progress  of. 
events ;  and  not  to  be  unprepared  for  whatever  order 
of  things  may  be  ultimately  established. 

Under  another  aspect  of  our  situation,  the  early  at- 
tention of  Congress  will  be  due  to  the  expediency  of 
further  guards  against  evasions  and  infractions  of  our 
Commercial  laws.  The  practice  of  smuggling,  which 
is  odious  every  where,  and  particularly  criminal  in 
free  governments,  where,  the  laws  being  made  by  all, 
for  the  good  of  all,  a  fraud  is  committed  on  every  in- 
dividual as  well  as  on  the  state,  attains  its  utmost  guilt, 
when  it  blends,  with  a  pursuit  of  ignominious  gain». 
a  tveacherous  subserviency  in  the  transgressors,  tu  a 
foreign  policy,  adverse  to  that  of  their  own  country. 
It  is  then  that  the  virtuous  indignation  of  the  public 
should  be  enabled  to  manifest  itself,  through  the  regu- 
lar animadversions  of  the  most  competent  laws. 

To  secure  greater  respect  to  our  mercantile  flag, 
and  to  the  honest  interest  which  it  covtra,  it  is  ex- 
pedient also,  that  it  be  made  punishable  in  our  citizens, 
to  accept  licences  from  foreign  governments,  for  a 
trade  unlawfully  interdicted  b)f  them  to  other  Ameri- 
can citizens  ;  or  to  trade  under  false  colours  or  papers 
of  aiiv  sort. 


A  pi 

€6pran( 

used  in 

the  adi 

States,  < 

trade  wi 

Aithc 

ately  on 

but  be  V 

^curing 

attained, 

the  impu 

gation,  t 

ed  by   t^ 

ments. 

Beside 

turers  froi 

<3es  might 

that,  with 

our  defen 

left  ill  uni 

And  whih 

discrimini 

and  an  eq 

their  nav 

mistaken, 
shippins^ 

place,  the 
our  produt 
body  of  nij 
service  of 
diminished 
Therec« 
ding  on  th( 
thirteen  mi 
Wed  us  to 
interest  on 
tive  million 
ring  to  the 
fiion.    The 
"Ot  the  year 


lex- 

3nS) 
>r  a 
leri- 


HISTORY  OF  THB  WAR. 


15 


A  prohibition  is  equally  called  for,  against  the  ac- 
ceptance, by  our  citizens  of  special  licences,  to  be 
used  in  a  trade  with  the  United  States ;  and  aj^ainst 
the  admission  into  particular  ports  of  the  United 
States,  of  vessels  from/oreign  countries,  authorized  to 
trade  with  particular  p«)rts  only. 

Although  other  subjects  will  press  more  immedi- 
ately on  your  deliberations,  a  portion  of  them  cannot 
but  be  well  bestowed,  on  the  just  and  sound  policy  of 
securing  to  our  manufactures  the  success  they  have 
attained,  and  are  still  attaining,  in  some  degree,  under 
the  impulse  of  causes  not  permanent;  and  to  our  navi- 
gation, the  fair  extent  of  which  it  is  at  present  abridg- 
ed by  i\!fe  unequal  regulations  of  foreign  govern- 
ments. 

.  Besides  the  reasonableness  of  saving  our  manufac- 
turers from  sacrifices  which  a  change  of  circumstan- 
ces might  bring  on  them,  the  national  interest  requires, 
that,  with  respect  to  such  articles  at  least  as  belong  to 
our  defence,  and  our  primary  wants,  we  should  not  be 
left  in  unnecessary  dependence  on  external  supplies. 
And  whilst  foreign  governments  adhere  to  the  existing 
discriminations  in  their  ports  against  our  navigation, 
and  an  equality  or  lesser  discrimination  is  enjoyed  by 
their  navigation  in  our  ports,  the  effect  cannot  be 
mistaken,  because  it  has  been  seriously  felt  by  our 
shipping  interests ;  and  in  proportion  as  this  takes 
place,  the  advantages  of  an  independent  conveyance  of 
our  products  to  foreign  markets,  and  of  a  growing- 
body  of  mariners,  trained  by  their  occupations  for  the 
service  of  their  country  in  tiiaes  of  danger,  must  b? 
diminished. 

The  receipts  into  the  Treasury,  during  the  year,  en- 
ding on  the  thirtieth  of  September  last,  have  exceeded 
thiiieen  millions  and  a  half  <A'  dollars,  and  have  ena- 
bled us  to  defray  the  current  expences,  including  the 
interest  on  the  public  debt  and  to  reimburse  more  than 
five  millions  of  dollars  of  the  principal,  without  recur- 
ring to  the  loan  authorized  by  the  act  of  the  last  Ses- 
sion. The  temporary  loan  obtained  in  the  latter  end 
Of  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  ten,  haii 


^ 


%' 


•\l 


¥■'■         t 


:i-V 


II, 


16 


HlilTORY  OF  THE  WAK. 


i 


i: 


also  been  reimbursed,  and  is  not  included  in  th^t 
amount. 

The  decrease  of  revenue,  arising  from  the  situation  of 
our  commerce  and  the  extraordinary  expences  which 
have  and  mav  become  necessary,  must  be  taken  into 
view,  in  making  commensurate  provisions  foi  the 
ensuing  year.  And  I  reciAnmend  to  your  considera- 
tion the  propriety  of  ensuring  a  sufficiency  of  annual 
revenue,  at  least  to  defray  the  ordinary  expences  of 
government,  and  to  pay  the  interest  on  the  public  debt, 
including  that  on  new  loans  which  may  be  authorized. 

I  cannot  close  this  communication  without  expres- 
sing my  deep  sense  of  the  crisis  in  which  yon  are  as- 
sembled ;  my  confidence  in  a  wise  and  honourable 
result  to  yOur  deliberations,  and  assurances  of  the 
faithful  aeal  with  which  my  co-operating  duties  will 
be  discharged  ;  invoking  at  the  same  time,  the  bles- 
sing of  heaven  on  our  beloved  country,  and  on  all  the 
means,  that  may  be  employed  in  vindicating  its  rights, 
and  advancing  its  welfare. 

(Signed)       ^  ■  ■  >  '- 

JAMES  MADISON. 

Weuhingtorif  November  5,  1811. 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE, 

Laid  before  Congress,  on  Tuesday,  November  6. 

ORDERS  IN  COUNCIL. 

MR.  FOSTER  TO  MR. .  MONROE. 

i .  ■      . .  1       ..      . 

WASHINGTON,  Jolt  S,  1811. 

SIR, 

I  have  had  the  honour  of  stating  to  yon  ver- 
bally the  system  of  defence  to  which  his  majesty  has 
been  compelled  to  resort  for  the  purpose  of  protecting 
the  maritime  rights  and  interests  of  his  dominions 
against  the  new  description  of  warfare  that  has  been 
adopted  bv  his  enemies.  I  have  presented  to  yoii 
the  grounds  upon  which  his  Majesty  finds  himself  still 


obliged 
I  shall  I 
morniuj 
fore  you 
to  his  IV 
Britain 
1  beg 
pies  on 
originall 
ly  and  e: 
hibited  i 
Great-Bi 
ships  anc 
means  ol 
adequate 
professed 
tion  of  all 
unsanctia 
by  any  re 
This  vi 
nations  in 
retaliating 
of  all  con 
countries 
tern  of  CO 
The  oh 
destructio 
regulation 
curity,  at 
gence  to 
would  hav 
of  Great- 
extent  of 
was  not  at 
absolute  p 
we  prohifa 
such  conm 
on  throng}] 
It  was  e< 
cial  to  net 


aiSTORY  or  Tfffi  WAB. 


17 


oblig^ed  to  continue  that  system,  and  I  conceive  Mtat 
I  shall  best  meet  your  wishes  as  expressed  to  me  this 
morning,  if  in  a  more  formal  shape  I  should  lay  be- 
fore you  the  whole  extent  of  the  question,  as  it  appears 
to  his  Majesty's  government  to  exist  between  Great- 
Britain  and  America. 

1  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention,  sir,  to  the  princi- 
ples on  which  his  MMesty*s  Orders  in  Council  were 
originally  founded.  The  Decree  of  Berlin  was  direct- 
ly and  expressly  an  act  of  war,  by  which  France  pro- 
hibited ail  nations  from  trade  or  intercourse  with 
Great-Britain  under  peril  of  confiscation  of  their 
ships  and  merchandise ;  although  France  had  not  the 
means  of  imposing  an  actu<il  blockade  in  any  degree 
adequate  to  such  a  purpose.  The  immediate  and 
professed  object  of  this  hostile  Decree  was  the  destruc- 
tion of  all  British  commerce  through  meuns  entirely 
unsanctioned  by  the  law  of  nations,  and  unauthorised 
by  any  received  doctrine  of  legitimate  blockade. 

This  violation  of  the  established  law  of  civilized 
nations  in  war,  would  have  justified  Great-Britain  in 
retaliating  upon  the  enemy  by  a  similar  interdiction 
of  all  commerce  with  France,  and  with  such  other 
countries  as  might  co-operate  with  France  in  her  sys- 
tem of  commercial  hostility  against  Great-Britain. 

The  object  of  Great-Britain  was  not,  however,  the 
destruction  of  trade,  but  its  preservation  under  such 
regulations  as  might  be  compatible  with  her  own  se- 
curity, at  the  same  time  that  she  extended  an  indul- 
gence to  foreign  commerce,  which  strict  principles 
would  have  entitled  her  to  withhold.  The  retaliation 
of  Great-Britain  was  not  therefore  urged  to  the  full 
extent  of  her  right ;  our  prohibition  of  French  trade 
was  not  absolute,  but  modified ;  and  in  return  for  the 
absolute  prohibition  of  all  trade  with  Great-Britain, 
we  prohibited  not  all  commerce  with  France,  but  all 
such  commerce  with  France  as  should  not  be  carried 
on  through  Great-Britain. 

It  was  evident  that  this  system  must  prove  prejudi* 
cial  to  neutral  nations ;  this  calamity  was  foreseen, 

3 


>    i 


ju;.,, 


1  .'  I 


I 


y^ 


18 


BISTORT  OV  THB  WAS. 


:l 


and  deeply  reg^retted.  But  the  injury  to  the  neutral 
nation  arose  from  the  aggression  of  France,  which 
had  coUkpelied  Great-Britain  in  her  own  defence  to 
resoiito  adequate  retaliatory  measures  of  war.  Tlie 
operation  on  the  American  commerce  of  those  pre- 
cautions, which  the  conduct  of  France  had  rendered 
indispensable  to  our  security,  is  therefore  to  be  ascrib- 
ed to'  the  Unwarrantable  aggression  of  France,  and 
not  to  those  proceedings  on  the  part  of  Great-Britain, 
which  that  aggression  had  rendered  necessary  and 
just. 

The  object  of  our  systeih  was  merely  to  counteract 
an  attempt  to  crush  the  British  trade ;  Great-Britain 
endeavored  to  permit  the  continent  to  receive  as  large 
a  portion  of  commerce  as  niight  be  practicabfo, 
•through  Great-Britain ;  and  all  her  subsequent  regu- 
lations, and  every  modification  of  her  system  by  new 
.orders  or  modes  of  granting  or  withholding  licences, 
have  been  calculated  for  the  purpose  of  encouraging 
the  trade  of  neutrals  through  Great-Britain,  whenever 
such  encouragement  might  appear  advantageous  to 
the  general  interests  of  commercOt   and  consistent 
with  the  public  safety  of  the  nation.    The  justifica- 
tion of  bis  Majesty's  Orders  in  Council,  and  the  con- 
tinuance of  that  defence,  have  always  been  rested  up- 
on the  existence  of  the  Decrees  of  Berlin  and  Milan, 
tend  on  the  perseverance  of  the  enemy  in  the  system 
of  hostility  which  has  subverted  the  rights  of  neutral 
commerce  on  the  continent ;  and  it  has  always  been 
declared  on  the  part  of  his  Majesty's  government, 
that  whenever  France  should  have  effectually  repeal- 
ed the  Decrees  of  Berlin  and  Milan,  and  should  nave 
I'estored  nei:tfral  commerce  to  the  condition  in  which 
it,stobd  previously  to  the  promulg^Uion  of  those  De- 
crees, we  sliould  immediately  repeal  our  Orders  in 
Council,  ■j'-sfi^'^f  r''!*:f  '*> 

France  has  asserted  that  the  Decree  of  Berlin  was 
a  measure  of  just  retaliation  on  her  part,  occasioned 
by  our  previous  aggression  ;  and  i^e  French  govern- 
ment has  insisted  that  our  system  of  blockade^  as  it 


existed  ] 

manifetit 

we  must 

lin  Decn 

blockade 

contrary 

By  the 

cation  ol 

<  extends 

to  harboi 

of  blocki 

nations,  « 

that  the  r 

tresses  re) 

It  is  ai 

'has  dec 

before  w 

even  plac 

insufficiei 

empire.' 

jVeithei 
of  nations 
by  Franc 
complete 
blockade! 
If  sucii 
come  net 
tempt  the 
our  submi 
tions,  wh 
vantages 
common 
It  was 
was  the 
cree  of  ^( 
that  block 
tion,  afib 
France. 

In  poin 
ceded  the 


HISTORY  OF  THK  WAR. 


19 


existed  previously  to  the  Decree  of  Berlin,  wait  a 
manifettt  violation  of  the  received  law  of  nations  j 
we  must  therefore,  sir,  refer  to  the  articles  of.  the  Ber- 
lin Decree,  to  find  the  principles  of  our  system  of 
blockade,  which  France  considers  to  be  new,  and 
contrary  to  the  law  of  nations. 

By  the  4th  and  8th  articles  it  is  stated  as  a  justifi- 
cation of  the  French  Decree,  that  Great-Britain 
'extends  to  unfortified  towns  anc''  commercial  ports, 
to  harbors,  and  to  the  mouths  of  rivers,  those  rights 
of  blockade,  which  by  the  reason  and  the  usage  of 
nations,  ai!«  applicaUe  oidy  to  fortified  places.;  and 
that  the  riffhts  cf  blockade  ought  to  be  limited  to  for- 
tresses really  invested  by  a  sufficient  force.' 

It  is  added  in  the  same  articles  that  GreatrBritain 
'has  declared  places  to  be  in  a  state  ot  blockade, 
before  which  she  has  not  a  single  ship  of  war*  and 
even  places  which  the  whole  British  force  would  be 
insufficient  tc  blockade  ;  entire  coasts,  and  a  whole 

empire/  .» ofiitij'^^fMiJv 

mither  the  practice  of  Great-Britain,  nor  ne  law 
of  nations,  has  ever  sanctioned  the  rule  nowilaid  down 
by  France,  that  no  place  excepting  fortresses,  in,  a 
complete  state  of  investiture,  can  be.  deemed  kwfiilLy 
blockaded  by  sea. 

If  such  a  rule  were  to  be  admitted,  it  would  be- 
come nearly  impracticable  for  Great-Britain  to  at- 
tempt the  blodcade  of  any  port  of  the  continent,  and 
our  submission  to  this  perversion  of  the  law  of  na- 
tions, while  it  would  destroy  one  of  the  principal  ad- 
vantages of  our  naval  superiority,  would  sacrifice  the 
common  rights  and  interests  of  all  maritime  states. 

It  was  evident  that  the  blockade  of  JMay,  1806, 
was  the  principal  pretended  jusification  of  the  De- 
cree of  Berlin,  though  neither  the  principles  on  which 
that  blockade  was  founded,  nor  its  practical  opera- 
tion, afibrded  any  color  for  the  proceedings  of 
France. 

In  point  of  date,  the  blockade  of  JVfay,  1806,  pre* 
ceded  the  Berlin  Decree  j  but  it  was  a  just  and  legal 


20 


IIISTOIIY  OF  THB  WAH. 


, 


blockade  according  to  the  established  law  of  nations, 
because  it  was  intended  to  be  mniiitained,  and  was 
actually  maintained  by  an  adequate  force  appointed 
to  ffuardthe<whole  coast  described  in  the  notihcation, 
and  consequently  to  enforce  the  blockade. 

Great-Britain  has  never  attempted  to  dispute,  that 
in  the  ordinary  course  of  the  law  of  nations,  no  block- 
ade can  be  justifiable  or  valid  unless  it  be  supported 
by  an  adequate  force  destined  to  maintain  it,  and  to 
expose  to  hnzard  all  vessels  attempting' to  evade  its 
operation.  The  blockade  of  May,  1806,  was  notified 
by  Mr.  Secretary  Fox,  on  this  clear  principle,  nor 
was  that  blockade  announced  until  he  had  satisfied 
himself  by  a  communication  with  his  Majesty's  Board 
of  Admiralty,  that  the  Admiralty  possessed  the  means 
and  would  employ  them,  of  watching  the  whole  coast 
from  Brest  to  the  Elbe,  and  of  cfiectually  enforcing 
the  blockade. 

The  blockade  of  May,  1806,  was  therefore  (ac- 
cording to  the  doctrine  maintained  by  Great-Britain) 
just  andla\«ful  in  it»  origin,  because  it  was  supported 
by  both  in  intention  and  fact  by  an  adequate  naval 
force.  This  was  the  justification  of  that  blockade, 
until  the  period  of  time  when  the  Orders  in  Council 
were  issued. 

The  Orders  in  Council  were  founded  on  a  distinct 
principle,  that  of  defensive  retaliation.  France  had 
declared  a  blockade  of  all  the  ports  and  coasts  of 
Great-Britain,  and  her  dependencies,  without  assign- 
ing, or  being  able  to  assign,  any  force  to  support  that 
blockade.  Such  an  act  of  the  enemy  would  have 
justified  a  declaration  of  the  blockade  of  the  whole 
coast  of  France,  even  without  the  application  of  any 
particular  force  to  that  service.  Since  the  promulga- 
tion of  the  Orders  in  Council,  the  blockade  of  May, 
1806,  has  been  sustained  and  extended  by  the  more 
comprehensive  system  of  defensive  retaliation  on 
which  those  regulations  are  founded.  But  it  the  Or- 
ders in  Council  should  be  abrogated,  the  blockade  of 
May,  1806,  could  not  continue  under  our  construc- 


tion of  til 
be  main 
naval  for 

Ameri 
ing  that  i 
the  attac 
jected  tc 
instance 
Britain. 

Althou 
pecting  tl 
ed  by 
corres[fon 
principles 
objection 
blockade 
naval  fore 
have  empi 
ed  that  bl< 
necessaril; 
tained  in  ^ 

Review; 
pear  that 
deemed  co 
the  objecti 
declared  o 
because  th 
naval  forcf 
fore  justifi 
France,  or 
the  Orders 
of  defensivi 
of  nations 
Berlin;  thi 
eluded  in  ti 
in  Council 
will  not  be 
the  hostile '. 
of  May,  18 
in  Council 


HISTORY  OF  TUB  WAE. 


2t 


tioD  of  the  law  of  nalions,  unletw  tbnt  blockade  should 
be  maintained  by  a  due  application  of  an  adequate 
naval  force. 

America  appears  to  concur  with  France  in  assert- 
ing that  Great-Britain  wan  the  original  aggressor  in 
the  attack  on  neutral  rights,  and  has  particularly  ob- 
jected tc  the  blockade  of  May,  ISlMi,  as  an  obvious 
instance  of  that  aggression  on  the  part  of  Great- 
Britain. 

Although  the  doctrines  of  the  Berlin  Decree,  res- 
pecting the  rights  of  blockade,  are  not  directly  assert- 
ed by  the  American  government,  Mr.  Pinokney's 
corresftondence  would  appear  to  countenance  the 
principles  on  which  those  doctrines  are  founded.  I'he 
objection  directly  stated  by  America  against  the 
blockade  of  May,  1806,  rests  on  a  supposition  that  no 
naval  force  which  Great-Britain  possessed,  or  could 
have  employed  for  such  a  purpose,  could  have  render* 
ed  that  blockade  effectual  and  that  therefore  it  was 
necessarily  irregular,  and  could  not  possibly  be  rnain^ 
tained  in  conformity  to  the  law  of  nations. 

Reviewing  the  course  of  this  statement,  it  will  ap- 
pear that  the  blockade  of  May,  1806,  cannot  be 
deemed  contrary  to  the  law  of  nations,  either  under 
the  objections  urged  by  the  French,  or  under  those 
declared  or  insinuated  by  the  American  government, 
because  that  blockade  was  maintained  by  a  sufficient 
naval  force ;  that  the  Decree  of  Berlin  was  not  there- 
fore justified  either  under  the  pretext  alledged  by 
France,  or  under  those  supportea  by  America  ;  that 
the  Orders  in  Council  were  founded  on  a  just  principle 
of  defensive  retaliation  against  the  violation  of  the  law 
of  nations  committed  by  France  in  the  Decree  of 
Berlin ;  that  the  blockade  of  May,  1806,  is  now  in- 
cluded in  the  more  extensive  operation  of  the  Orders 
in  Council ;  and  lastly,  that  the  Orders  in  Council 
will  not  be  continued  beyond  the  effectual  dui-ation  of 
the  hostile  Decrees  of  France,  nor  will  the  blockade 
of  May,  1806,  continue  after  the  repeal  (»f  the  Orders 
in  Council,  unless  His  Majesty *s  government  shall 


'i  I 


I,  f 


,  I 


■:.!' 


\4 


w' 


i^i 


,:i 


k 


tt  niilTOIlY  or  THB  VTAWL, 

think  At  to  siifltnin  it  by  the  special  applicRtion  of  a 
fttfficient  naval  t'oroe.  This  fart  will  not  he  ftuft'rred 
to  remain  in  doubt,  and  if  the  repeni  of  tha  Orders  in 
Council  should  take  place,  the  intention  of  Hitt  Majes- 
ty's ffovemment  respecting  the  blockade  of  May,  1806,. 
-will  ne  notified  at  the  same  time. 

I  need  not  recapitulate  to  you  the  sentiments  of 
His  Majesty's  government,  so  often  repeat«d,  uu  the 
subject  of  the  French  Minister's  Note  to  General 
Armstrong,  dated  the  tfth  of  last  August.  The  studi- 
ed  ambiguitv  of  that  note  hnit  since  been  amply  ex- 
plained bv  the  conduct  and  Inngnage  of  the  govern- 
ment of  France,  of  which  one  ot  tl)e  most  remarkable 
instances  is  to  be  found  in  the  six'ech  of  the  chief  of 
the  French  government  on  the  17th  of  last  month  to 
certain  deputies  from  the  free  cities  of  Blamburgh, 
Bremen,  and  Lubeck,  wherein  he  deolures  that  the 
Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees  shall  be  the  public  code  of 
France  as  long  as  England  maintains  her  Orders  in 
Coancil  of  IBUti,  and  1807.  Thus  pronouncmff  as 
plainly  as  language  will  admit,  that  the  system  of  vio- 
lence and  injustice  of  which  he  is  the  founder,  will  be 
maintained  by  him  until  the  detensive  measuren  of  re- 
taliation to  which  they  gave  rise  on  the  part  of  Great* 
Britain  shall  be  abandoned. 

If  other  proofii  were  necessary  to  show  the  continu- 
ed existeikce  of  those  obnoxious  Decrees,  they  may 
be-discTivered  in  the  Imperial  £dict  dated  at  Fontain- 
bleao,  October  19, 1810  i  that  monstrous  production 
of  vi<4ence,  in  which  they  are  made  the  basis  of  a  sys- 
tem of  general  and  m>exampled  tyranny  and  oppression 
ov^  aU  countries  subject  to,  allied  with,  or  within  the 
reach  of  the  power  of  France  ;  in  the  report  of  the 
French  minister  fur  foreigfn  a£birs  dated  last  Decem- 
ber, and  in  the  letter  of  tl^  French  minister  of  justice 
to  the  president  of  the  council  of  priats.  To  this 
latter,  sir,  1  would  wish  particularly  to  invite  your  atten- 
tion ;  the  date  is  the  26th  December,  the  authority  it 
comes  from  most  unquestionable,  aid  you  will  there 
find,  sir,  the  DiikeofMassa,  in  giving  his  instructions 


to  the  CO 

of  the  U 

most  cau 

crees  wc 

but  toti 

length  fr 

new  atii 

Hnd  an  t 

capture  o 

the  Berli 

plated  b) 

special  tl 

Ming  su 

proclaina 

Its  enforci 

Gui  th 

repealed  i 

President 

America 

Great- Bri 

the  first  q 

red  to,  api 

supposing 

clear  that 

to  that  not 

New-Oile 

Grace-Au 

being  cas< 

lin  and  IV 

niight  thei 

tice  by  Ai 

France  ha 

Americ 

voked  as  ii 

you,  sir,  in 

taken  undc 

ed  to  t^'rm 

but  may  n< 

of  the  satisi 

noii-im}K)rt 


to  the  council  of  prizes  in  conwquence  of  the  Pretideni 
of  the  Unitml  ^tuteii'  proclamation  of  November  9, 
mofti  cautiously  avoiding  to  aHsert  that  the  {S^rencb  De- 
crees were  repealed,  and  ascribing  not  to  such  repeal, 
but  to  the  ambiguous  passage  which  he  quotes  at 
length  from  M.  Champagny's  letter  of  August  6,  the 
new  attitude  taken  by  America  ;  and  you  will  aU« 
And  an  evidence  in  the  sunie  letter  of  tlie  continued 
cupture  of  American  ships  after  November,  luid  under 
the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees,  having  been  contem- 
plated by  the  French  government,  since  tliere  is  a 
special  direction  given  lor  judgment  on  such  ships 
being  suspended  in  coni.cciuence  of  the  American 
proclamation,  and  for  their  being  kept  as  pledges  for 
its  enforcement. 

C(ua  then,  nir,  these  Decrees  be  said  to  have  been 
repealed  at  the  period  when  the  proclamation  of  the 
President  of  the  United  States  appeared,  or  when 
America  enforced  her  non-importation  act  against 
Great- Britain?  Are  they  so  at  this  moment  ?  To 
the  first  question,  the  stale  papers  which  I  have  refer- 
red to,  appear  to  give  a  sumcient  answer.  For  even 
supposing  that  the  repeal  has  since  taken  place,  it  is 
clear  that  on  November  3,  there  was  no  question  as 
t«)  that  not  beingthen  the  case ;  the  capture  of  the  ship 
New-Orleans  racket  seized  at  Bordeaux,  and  the 
Grace-Aun-Green,  seized  at  or  canned  into  Marseilles, 
being  cases  arising  under  the  French  Decrees  of  Ber- 
lin and  Milan,  as  is  very  evident.  Great-Britain 
might  therefore  complain  of  being  treated  with  injus- 
tice by  America,  even  supposing  that  the  conduct  of 
France  had  since  been  unequivocal. 

America  contends  Ihat  the  French  Decrees  are  re- 
voked as  it  respects  her  ships  upon  the  high  seas,  and 
you,  sir,  inbrm  me,  that  the  only  two  American  ships 
taken  under  their  maritime  operation,  as  you  are  pleas- 
ed to  t  rm  it,  since  November  1,  have  been  restored ; 
but  may  not  Uiey  hi^ve  been  restored  in  consequenoe 
of  the  satist'actiuii  fi  It  in  F*  ance  at  the  passing  of  the 
non-im}K)rtation  act  in  the  American  Congress,  f»« 


mmt  < 


i  > 


^ 


BIST ORT  OF  THiB  WAR. 


W 


il 


event  so  little  to  be  expected  ;  for  otherwise,  having 
been  captured  in  direct  contradiction  to  the  supposed 
revocation,  why  were  they  not  restored  immedi- 
ately? 

The  fears  of  the  French  "^sivy  however,  prevent 
many  cases  of  the  kind  occurring  in  the  ocean  under 
the  Decrees  of  Berlin  and  Milan  ,  but  the  must  ob- 
noxious and  destructive  parts  of  those  Decrees  are 
exercised  with  full  violence  not  only  in  the  ports  of 
France,  but  in  those  of  all  other  countries  to  which 
Francethinks  she  can  commit  injustice  withimpunity. 

Great-Britain  has  a  right  to  complain  that  neutral 
nations  should  overlook  the  very  worst  features  of 
these  extraordinary  acts,  and  should  suffer  their  trade 
to  be  made  a  medium  of  an  unprecedented,  violent, 
and  monstrous  system  of  attack  upon  her  resources ;  a 
species  of  warfare  unattempted  by  any  civilized  na- 
tion before  the  present  period.  Not  only  has  America 
suffered  her  trade  to  be  moulded  into  the  means  of 
annoyance  to  Great-Britain  under  the  provisions  of 
the  French  Decrees,  but  as  construing  those  Decrees 
as  extinct,  upon  a  deceitful  declaration  of  the  French 
Cabinet,  she  has  enforced  her  non-importation  act 
against  Great-Britain. 

Under  these  circumstances,  I  am  instructed  by  m^ 
government,  to  urge  to  that  of  the  United  States,  the 
injustice  of  thus  enforcing  that  act  against  his  Majes- 
ty's dominions,  and  I  cannot  but  hope  that  a  spirit  of 
justice  will  induce  the  United  States*  government  to 
re-consider  the  line  of  conduct  they  have  pursued, 
and  at  least  to  re-establish  their  former  state  of  strict 
neutralit)'. 

I  have  only  to  add,  sir,  that,  on  my  part,  I  shall  ever 
be  ready  to  meet  you  on  any  opening  which  may  seem 
to  afford  a  prospect  of  restoring  complete  harmony 
between  the  two  countries,  and  that  it  will  at  all  times 
give  me  the  greatest  satisfaction  to  treat  with  you  on 
the  important  concerns  so  interesting  to  both. 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

AUGUSTUS  J.  FOSTER. 
To  the  hon.  James  Monroe,  SCc. 


SIR, 

In  con 

and  the  o 

part  of  m 

alluded  t< 

ders  in  C 

right  to  e: 

ble  mistal 

with  his  J 

It  will 

already,  h 

governme 

Council  of 

vember,  1, 

adopted  bj 

was  consifj 

able  part  ol 

tvith  the  ei 

ports,  on  p 

This  exf 

do  away  at 

to  the  conti 

effects  whi( 

ally  had  on 

tions  were 

ation  of  the 

countries. 

I  have  th 
tion  and 
servant. 


n 


To  the  hi 


'  J 1 1''. 


1  /< 


u'l 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


m 


Mr,  Foster  to  Mr,  Monroe. 

WASWNQTONt  My  11, 181 1. 

SIR, 

Inconaequentseofour  conversation  of  yesterday, 
and  the  observations  which  you  made  respecting  that 
part  of  my  letter  to  you  of  the  3d  inst.  wherein  I  have 
alluded  to  the  principle  on  which  his  Majesty's  Or- 
ders in  Council  were  originally  founded,  I  think  it 
right  to  explain  myself,  in  order  to  prevent  any  possi- 
ble mistake  as  to  the  present  situation  of  neutral  trade 
with  his  Majesty's  enemies. 

It  will  only  be  necessary  for  me  to  repeat  what  has 
already,  long  since,  been  announced  to  the  American 
government,  ramely,  that  his  Majesty's  Order  in 
Council  of  April  26,  1809,  superceded  those  of  No- 
vember, 1807,  and  relieved  the  system  of  retaliation 
adopted  by  his  Majesty  against  his  enemies  from  what 
was  considered  in  this  country  as  the  most  objection- 
able part  of  it ;  the  option  given  to  neutrals  to  trade 
with  the  enemies  of  Great-Britain,  through  British 
ports,  on  payment  of  a  transit  duty. 

This  explanation,  sir,  will,  I  trust,  be  sufficient  to 
do  away  any  impression  that  you  may  have  received 
to  the  contrary  i rom  my  observations  respecting  the 
effects  which  his  Majesty's  Orders  in  Council  origin- 
ally had  on  trade  of  neutral  nations.  Those  observa- 
tions were  merely  meant  as  preliminary  to  a  consider- 
ation of  the  question  now  at  issue  between  the  two 
countries. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  considera* 
tion  and  respect,  sir,  your  most  obedient  humble 
servant,     . 

AUGUSTUS  J.  FOSTER. 

To  the  hon.  James  Monroct  life.       •   <  f{   >:  ^ 


IJ'! 


i! 


.  •»    I :  ^ :     >  1  i 


f'ltf  / 


u 


r4 


■J  >  .i; 


P 


% 


i) 


'9 

•I  I  i 


m 


Hlan^RV  Of  f  ME  WAU. 


Mr.  Fmier  «o 


SIR, 


I*.  Momrne. 
WAHHINQTON,  July  14, 1811. 


dit)  MajeiHty'H  iPftOket  beat  having  been  so  lotag 
<)etoit»ed,  «nd  a  fortmcirt  having  elapsed  einoe  ray  ar- 
rival al  this  eapitd,  ihw  Royal  Higbness,  the  Prince 
Reg^ent  will  tieciPssariK  expect  tbat  I  <should  have  to 
tranfunit  feo4H8  Roval  Higbiiess  Mine  official  eonimu- 
iiicflAion  as  to  the  line  of  eoaduct  the  Am^can  gov- 
enMneiit  mean  to  piivsae.  I  trust  you  will  excuse 
me  therefore,  sir,  if  without  pretmng  4«ir  a  detailed 
answer  to  my  note  of  the  3d  inst,  i  anxioosly  desire 
to  :know  from  you  what  istiie  Fresident'js  determiaa^ 
tion  wtVh  respect  to  suspending  the  operattion  of  the 
late  Act  eif  Congress  prohibiting  aUinifnortation  Irom 
the  iRriitislh  dominions. 

There  have  been  repeated  avowals  latcfly  made  by 
the  government  of  France,  that  the  Decrees  of  Berlin 
and  Milan  were  still  in  fuU  force,  and  the  acts  of  tiiat 
giovemment  have  corresponded  with  tbose  avowals. 

The  measures  of  retaliattion  pursued,  by  Great- 
Br^in  against  those  Decrees  are  conseqAently  tothe 
great  regret  of  bis  Royal  Highness  sUU  necessarily 
continued. 

I  have  had  the  honor  to  state  to  yoo  the  light  in 
which  his  Royal  Highness,  ihe  Prince  Regent  view- 
ed the  Frodamation  of  the  President  of  last  Novem- 
ber, and  the  surprise  witb  wbicb  be  learnt  the  subse- 
quent measures  of  Congress  against  the  British  trade. 

American  «hips  seised  vnder  bis  Majesty *«  Orders 
in  Comioil  even  {^er  tbiit  Proclamation  appeared, 
were  not  immediately  condemned,  because  it  was  be- 
lieved tbat  lAie  insidions  professions  of  France  might 
have  led  the  American  government,  and  Uie  mer- 
chants of  America  into  an  erroneous  construction  ot 
the  intentions  of  France. 

But  when  the  veil  was  thrown  aside,  and  the 
French  ruler  himself  avowed  the  continued  existence 
of  his  invariable  system,  it  was  not  expected  by  his 
Royal  Highness  that  America  would  have  refused  to 
retrace  the  steps  she  had  taken. 


HISTORY  QF  I'VE  WAR. 


»7 


;  Fresh  proofs  have  since  oecvkvvei)  of  lh«  resolulioR 
of  the  French  government  Id  c«|sk  ftwity  all  coMideva- 
iion  of  the  rights  of  nations;  ii*  the  iMipveceiileBted  war- 
fiire  they  have  adopted.    '-j:,<,<innnu 

America  however  dtiU  persists  in  her  ij^urioug 
measures  against  the  coi»i«erce  of  QveaUBritain,  and 
his  Royal  Highness  has  in  consequence  bee»  ohli^^ 
to  look  to  means  of  retaltatiQi>  a^inst  those  meaaures 
which  his  Royal  Highoess  cannot  butr  c^nanler  a«i 
most  aajaslifiahte. 

How  ^irable  wonild  it  not  he^  sir,  if  a  stop)  tould 
be  put  to  any  material  progress  i»  such  a  9ys|e«ii'  of 
retaliation,  whiclm  frook  stojpl  to<  sl«tf  may  lead,  te^  the 
most  unfriendly  situation  hetw^eO'the  two  «;ountvie9? 

His  Majesty '»  giavaF«a»ei4  willaecessqrily  be  guid^ 
ed  in  a  gieai  d«gree>  hy,  tha  coiatents  of  my^  %st.  dis- 
patches as  ta  this  cooduol  thi^  must  adopt  tp<wards 
Ameriea. 

Aikkw  m»  then,  sir;  to>r«pesA  my  iie^pi^t<^learn>fvom 
you  whether  I  me^'Hol  convey  vraat  (know  w^nddbe 
mostgratefaltohMRwyalHighaesfl^  Mings,;  namely, 
the  h(^  thiA  he  may  beenabWd,  by  th^  speedy  f etuvnof 
America,  firom  her  nafrieudl^  attitude  towards  Gneajth 
Britain,  to  forget  altogfether  Itiat  he  ever  yras  obliged 
to  have  any  otbev  oi^ct  uaview  besides- that  of  en- 
deavoring to  pi'omote  the  heat  understanding  possible 
between  the  two*  countitiea. 

I  have  the  honor  to>  be,,  with  the  highest  c^asidera- 
ticKH  sir,  youff  nouost  obedient  hunible  servant, 

AUGUSTUS  J.  FOSTER. 
'    TathehetuJamei  Mwv«9r^ 


I     Hi 


A'"! 


n.  ir 


.ff'V 


f-"  Mr.  Foster  t^  Mr.  Monroe. 

IKdSfUJVSrOAr,  Ju/y  16, 1811. 

SIR, 

1  had  the  honor  to  receive  the  letter  which  y  oik  ad- 
dressed to  me  under  yesterday's  date„  requesting  an 
explanation  from  me,  ia  consequence  of  my  letters 


'f* 


I 


28 


HISTORY  OF  THE   WAR. 


' 

\ 
f 


of  the  3d  and  14th  inst  of  the  precise  extent  in  which 
a  repeal  of  the  French  Decrees  is  by  his  Majesty's 
flfovernment,  made  a  condition  of  the  repeal  of  the 
British  Orders,  and  particularly  whether  the  condition 
embrace^  the  seizure  of  vessels  and  merchandize  en- 
tering French  ports  in  contravention  of  French  regu- 
lations, as  well  as  the  capture  on  the  high  seas,  of 
neutral  vessels  and  their  cargoes,  on  the  mere  allega- 
tion that  they  are  bound  to  or  from  British  ports,  or 
that  they  have  on  board  British  productions  or  man- 
ufactUfes ;  as  also,  stating  that  in  your  view  of  the 
French  Decrees,  they  comprise  regulations  essentially 
different  in  their  prinoipl«8,  some  of  them  violating 
the  neutral  rights  of  the  United  States,  others  operat- 
ing against  Great-Britain  without  any  such  violation. 

You  will  permit  me,  sir,  for  the  purpose  of  answer* 
iog  your  questions  as  clearly  and  concisely  as  possi* 
ble,  to  bring  into  view  the  French  Decrees  them-p 
selves,  together  with  the  official  declarations  of  the 
French  minister  which  accompanied  them. 

In  the  body  of  those  Decrees,  and  in  the  declara* 
tions  alluded  to,  you  will  find,  sir,  express  avowals 
that  the  principles  on  which  they  were  founded,  and 
provisions  contained  in  them,  are  wholly  new,  unpre- 
cedented, and  in  direct  contradiction  to  all  ideas  of 
justice  and  the  principles  and  usages  of  all  civilized 
nations.  The  French  government  did  not  pretend  to 
say  that  any  one  of  the  regulafions  contained  in  those 
Decrees  was  a  regulation  which  France  had  ever 
been  in  the  previous  practice  of. 

They  were  consequently  to  be  considered,  and  were 
indeed  allowed  by  France  herself  to  be,  all  of  them, 
parts  of  a  new  system  of  warfare,  unauthorised  by  the 
established  laws  of  nations. 

It  is  in  this  light  in  which  France  herself  has  placed 
her  Decrees ;  that  Great-Britain  is  obliged  tu  cunsid- 
er  them. 

The  submission  of  neutrals  to  any  regulations  made 
by  France,  authorised  by  the  laws  of  nations,  and 
practised  in  former  wors,  will  never  be  complained 


ofbyG 
and  Mi 
the  laws 
purpose 
Great-B 
distinctii 
the  cessa 
so  lately 
Imperia 
confirma 
Notui 
effectual 
be  reston 
ly  to  theii 
ceive  him 
to  the  saf< 
ingthe  ju 
in  his  def^ 
I  trust, 
enquires  \ 
factory;  i 
it  may  be 
greatest  cl 
I  sincen 
will  be  the 
ing  there! 
tween  Am 
attempted 
been  made 
ruler  expoi 
vates  his  sy 
endeavourii 
Great  Britt 
tween  the 
which  stam 
universal  ty 
Excuse  I 
possible  to  i 
the  result  o 
governmenl 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


39 


of  by  Great-Britain;  but  the  regrulations  of  the  Berlin 
and  Milan  Deci'ees  do,  and  are  declared  to  violate 
the  laws  of  nations^  and  the  rights  of  neutrals,  for  the 
purpose  of  attacking*  through  them  the  resources  of 
Great-Britain.  The  ruler  of  Ffanpe  has  drawn  no 
distinction  between  any  of  them,  nor  has  he  declared 
the  cessation  of  any  one  of  them  in  the  speech  which  he 
so  lately  addressed  to  the  deputation  from  the  free 
Imperial  Hanse  Towns,  which  was  on  the  contrary  ^ 
confirmation  of  them  all. 

Not  until  the  French  Decrees  therefore  shall  be 
effectually  repealed,  and  thereby  neutral  commerce 
be  restored  to  the  situation  in  which  it  stood  previous- 
ly to  their  promulgation,  can  his  royal  highness  con- 
ceive himself  justified,  consistently  with  what  he  owes 
to  the  safety  and  honour  of  Great  Britain,  in  forego- 
ing the  just  measures  ofrettdiation  which  his  Majesty 
in  his  defence  was  necessitated  to  adopt  against  them. 

I  trust,  sir,  that  this  explanation  in  answer  to  your 
enquires  will  be  considered  by  you  sufficiently  satis- 
factory ;  should  you  require  any  further,  and  which 
itmaybein  my  power  to  give,  I  shall  with  iUe 
greatest  cheerfulness  afibrd  it. 

I  sincerely  hope,  however,  that  no  further  delay 
will  be  thought  necessary  by  the  President  in  restor- 
ing the  relations  of  amity  which  should  ever  subsist  be- 
tween America  and  Great-Britain,  as  the  delusions 
attempted  by  the  government  of  France  have  now 
been  made  manifest,  and  the  perfidious  plans  of  its 
ruler  exposed ;  by  which,  while  he  adds  to  and  agra- 
vates  his  system  of  violence  against  neutral  trade,  he 
endeavours  to  throw  all  the  odium  of  his  acts  upon 
Great  Britain  with  a  view  to  engender  discord  be- 
tween the  neutral  countries,  and  the  only  power 
which  stands  up  as  a  bulwark  against  his  efforts  at 
universal  tyranny  and  oppression. 

Excuse  me,  sir,  if  I  express  my  wish  as  early  as 
possible  to  dispatch  his  Majesty's  packet  boat  with 
the  result  of  our  communications,  as  his  Majesty's 
government  will  necessarily  be  u)ust  anxious  to  hear 


4 


11 


VJ 


■/  k 


30 


inSTOKT  OF  TBE  WAR. 


i   ' 


n 


from  me.  Any  short  period  of  time,  faow^ver,  which 
may  appear  to  you  to  be  reasonable,  I  will  not  hesi- 
tate to  detain  Mr. 

Ihavethehonor  tobe  withthe  highest  considera- 
tien  snd  respect,  sir,  your  most  obedient  humble 
serrant. 

AUGUSTUS  J.  FOSTER. 
-    To  tilt  lum.  James  Monroe,  Sf€.  v-' 

■■    , •      •:;  "•  >     ■•  -^  ■  i  ^    ' 


.lii 


SIR, 


Mr.  Monroe  to  Mr.  Foster. 

SEPARTMBNT  OF  STATE,  July  23d,  Iftll. 


I  have  submitted  to  the  Preadent  yeuv  several  let- 
ters of  the  3d  and  10th  of  this  month  relative  to  the 
British  Orders  in  Counctl  and  the  blockade  of  May, 
1806,  and  I  have  now  the  honor  to  communicalie  to 
yoo  bis  sentiments  on  the  view  which  you  have  pre- 
sented of  those  measures  of  yoar  govevnioent. 

It  was  hoped  that  your  communication  would  have 
led  to  an  immediate  accommodation  of  the  differences 
subsisting  between  our  countries,  on  the  ground  on 
which  alone  it  is  possible  to  meet  you.  It  is  regretted 
ihat  you  have  confined  y  omrself  to  a  vindication  of  the 
measures  which  produced  some  oCthmn* 

The  United  States  are  as  little  disposed  now  as 
heretofore  to  enter  into  the  question  concerning  the 
priority  of  aggression  by  the  two  bdiligerents,  which 
could  not  be  justified  by  either,  by  the  [Nriority  of 
those  of  the  other.  But  as  you  bring  forward  that 
plea  in  support  of  the  Orders  in  Council,  I  must  be 
permitted  to  remark  that  you  have  yourself  furnished 
a  conclusive  answer  to  it,  by  admitting  that  the  block- 
ade of  May  1806,  which  was  prior  to  the  first  of  the 
French  Decrees,  would  not  be  legal,  unless  supported 
through  the  whole  extent  of  the  coast,  from  the  Elbe 
to  Brest,  by  an  adequate  naval  force.  That  such  a 
naval  force  was  actualy  applyed  and  continued  in  the 
reqnisilc  strictness  until  that  blockade  was  comprised 


iiiaadfl 
follDwii 
t^esam( 
BMtv 
without 
tended,! 
princjpj4 
strength 
Deci<ees 
tial  chart 
ly  blow  t 
ouroomi 
threat  in 
It  Qitty  b 
falls  on  tl 
who  on  1 
measure 
would  n< 
thefdea  < 
It  is  i( 
Council  1 
appealed 
trade  of  t 
Russia, 
wiUi«jJn 
ishtfa^; 
with  re$j> 
happen  to 
I  am  fa 
contained 
prosecute 
Great-Bri 
present  it. 
effect  oft 
tonishmen 
sion  set  u( 
patihle  wi 
er  states, 
tionable,  a 
traJ  coram 


I 


HISTORY  OF  TUK  WAR. 


Si 


ui  aad  superceded  l>y  tlni  Orders  of  Novenber  of  the 
following  yeoTt  or  -^^^ '  until  the  French  Decree  of 
the  safne  year,  will  not  I  presuoie  he  alleged. 

But  wHving  this  question  of  priority,  cuoitbe  seea 
without  both  surprise  and  regret,  that  it  is  still  con- 
tMided,  that  the  Orders  in  Council  are  justified  by  the 
principle  of  retaUaiion»  and  tb«t  this  principle  is 
strengthened  by  the  inability  of  France  to  enforce  her 
Decrees.  A  retaliation  is  in  its  name,  and  its  essen- 
tial character,  m  returning  like  for  like.  Is  tlie  dead- 
ly blow  of  the  Orders  in  Coiuicil  against  one  half  of 
our  ooBimerce,  a  return  of  like  for  like  to  an  empty 
threat  in  the  French  Decrees,  against  tlie  other  half? 
It  may  be  a  vindicative  hostility,  as  far  as  its  ^ects 
falls  on  the  enemy.  But  when  falling  on  a  neutral 
who  on  no  pretext  can  be  liable  for  more  than  the 
measure  of  injury  received  through  such  neutral  it 
would  not  be  a  retaliation,  but  a  positive  wrong  by 
the  fdea  on  which  it  is  founded. 

It  is  io  be  fuilher  remarked  that  the  Orders  in 
Council  went  even  beyond  the  plea,  such  as  this  has 
aippeatfed  to  he,  in  extending  its  operation  against  the 
trade  of  the  United  States,  with  nations  which,  like 
Russia,  had  not  adopted  the  French  Decrees,  and 
with  all  nations  which  liad  merely  excluded  the  Brit- 
ish 4arg;  an  exclusion  resulting  as  a  matter  of  course 
with  respect  bo  whatever  nniion  Great»Britaiii  might 
happen  to  be  at  war. 

I  am  far  from  viewing  the  modificatioa  originally 
coMtained  in  these  Orders,  which  permits  neutrals  to 
proseci^  their  Irade  with  the  continent,  through 
Great-Britain,  in  the  favorable  light  in  which  you  re- 
present it.  It  is  impossible  to  proceed  to  notice  the 
ejQEiict  of  this  modification  without  expressing  our  as> 
tonishment  at  the  extravagance  of  the  political  |M'eten- 
sion  set  up  by  it :  a  pretension  which  is  utterly  incom- 
patible with  the  sovereignty  and  i»dependance  of  oth- 
er states.  In  a  commercial  view,  it  is  not  less  objec- 
tionable, as  it  cannot  fail  to  prove  destructive  to  neu- 
tral commerce.     As  an  enemy,  Great- Britain  cannot 


t' 


i 


! 


I       1 


.  ..it 

■  ri4]  • 


'H 


W'i 


02 


UlS'rOKY  OF  THE  WAR. 


'ii 


trade  with  France.  Nor  does  France  permit  a  neu*> 
tral  to  come  into  her  ports  from  Great-Britain.  The 
attempt  of  Great-Britain  to  force  our  trade  through 
her  ports,  would  have  therefore  the  commercial  effect 
of  depriving  the  United  States  altogether  ot  the  mark- 
et of  ner  enemy  for  their  prod',  ctioas,  and  of  destroy- 
ing their  value  in  her  market  by  a  surcharge  of  it. 
Heretofore  it  has  been  the  usage  of  belligerent  na- 
tions to  carry  on  their  trade  through  the  intervention  of 
neutrals;  and  this  had  the  beneficial  effect  of  extend- 
ing to  the  former  the  advantages  of  peace,  while  suf- 
fering under  the  calamities  of  war.  To  reve.'se  the 
rule,  and  to  extend  to  nations  at  peace,  the  calamities 
of  war,  is  a  change  as  novel  and  extraordinary  as  it  is 
at  variance  with  justice  and  public  law. 

Against  this  unjust  system,  the  United  States  en- 
tered, at  an  early  period,  their  solemn  protest.  They 
considered  it  their  duty  to  evince  to-the  world  their 
high  disapprobation  of  it,  and  they  have  done  so  by 
such  acts  as  were  deemed  most  consistent  with  the 
rights  and  the  policy  of  the  nation.  Remotefrom  the 
contentious  scene  which  desolates  Europe,  it  has  been 
their  uniform  object  to  avoid  becoming  a  party  to  the 
war. — ^With  this  view  they  have  endeavored  to  culti- 
vate friendship  with  both  parties,  by  a  system  of  con- 
duct which  ought  to  have  produced  that  effect. 
They  have  done  justice  to  each  party  in  every  trans- 
action in  which  they  have  been  separately  engaged 
with  it.  They  have  observed  the  impartiality  which 
was  due  to  both  as  belligerents  standing  on  equal 
ground,  having  in  no  instuuce  given  a  preference  to 
either  at  the  ex|)ense  of  the  other.  They  have  borne 
too  with  equal  itidulgenc*;  injuries  from  both,  being 
willing  while  it  was  possible,  to  impute  them  to  casu- 
al ities  inseparable  from  a  cause  of  war,  and  not  to  a 
deliberate  intention  to  violate  their  rights,  and  even 
when  that  intention  could  not  be  mistaken,  they  have 
not  lost  sight  of  the  ultimate  object  of  their  policy. 
In  the  measures  to  which  they  have  been  compelled 
to  resort,  they  have  in  all  respects  maintained  pacihc 


Jt. 


led 

Itic 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


d8 


relations  with  both  parties.  The  alternative  present- 
ed by  their  late  acts*  was  oiTeied  etiually  to  both,  and 
could  operate  on  neither,  no  longer  than  it  should 
persevere  in  its  agressions  on  our  neutral  rights. 
The  embargo  and  non-intercourse,  were  peaceful 
measures.  The  regulations  which  they  imposed  oii 
our  trade  were  such  as  any  nation  might  adopt  in 
peace  or  war,  without  ofl'enre  to  any  other  nation. 
The  non-importation  is  of  the  same  character,  and  it' 
it  makes  a  distinction  at  this  time,  in  its  operation  be- 
tween the  belligerents,  it  necessarily  results  from  a 
compliance  of  one  with  the  offer  made  to  both,  and 
which  is  still  open  to  the  compliance  of  the  other. 

In  the  Ci'iNcussions  which  have  taken  place  on  the 
subject  of  the  Orders  in  Council  and  blockade  of  May, 
1806,  the  British  government  in  conformity  to  the 
principle  on  which  the  Orders  in  Council  are  said  to  be 
founded,  declared  that  they  should  cease  to  operate  as 
soon  as  France  revoked  her  Edicts.  It  was  stated  al- 
so, that  the  British  government  would  proceed  pari 
passttt  with  the  government  of  France,  in  the  revoca- 
tion of  her  £dicts.  I  will  proceed  to  shew  that  the 
obligation  on  Great-Britain  to  revoke  her  Orders  is 
complete,  according  to  her  own  engagements,  and 
that  the  revocation  ought  not  to  be  longer  delayed. 

By  the  Act  of  May  1st,  1810,  it  is  provided,  *  That 
if  either  Great-Britain  or  France  should  cease  to  vio> 
late  the  neutral  commerce  of  the  United  States,  which 
fact  the  President  should  declare  by  proclamation, 
and  the  other  party  should  not  within  three  months 
thereafter  revoke  or  modify  its  Edicts  in  like  manner, 
that  then  certain  sections  in  a  former  act  interdicting 
.the  commercial  intercourse  between  the  United  States 
and  Great-Britain  and  France  and  their  dependen- 
cies, should  from  and  after  the  eKptration  of  three 
months  from  the  date  of  the  {>roclaimation,  he  revived 
and  have  full  force  against  the  former,  its  ^olonies  and 
dependencies,  and  aguinst  all  articles  the  growth,  pra- 
duce,  or  manufacture  of  the  same.* 
5 


.  A 


ru. 


1 


l^-. 


M^ 


W 


iM 


lIl,<TOHV   OF  THE   WAU. 


i-i 


The  violnliMiw  ol'  luutrnl  conuiurce  alluded  to  hi 
this  act,  wen:  sitrli  as  uere  rouiniitled  on  the  high 
seas.  I^  wns  in  \\\t  trhdc  l»el\veen  the  United  StatieH 
Mild  the  Bnlislj  dominions,  that  France  hod  violnted 
the  neutral  ri«;l!i.s  of  the  (Jnitfd  Slates  by  her  block- 
ading- Kjlicls.  It  was  >\il!i  IJie  trade  of  France  iand 
her  allies  that  (ircat-Biitain  had  committed  similar 
violations  by  similar  Editls.  It  was  the  revocation 
of  those  Edicts,  so  far  as  thi'y  committed  such  viola- 
tions, wUkh  iht  IJinled  J^tates  hud  in  view,  when  they 
passed  the  law  of  May  1st,  IHIO.  On  the  5lh  of 
Augu«t,  I'ilO,  tli(!  French  minister  of  lo.('i[rn  aitairH 
addressed  a  note  to  the  minister  plenipotentiary  of 
the  l^iitcd  S'latcs  at  Pans,  informing  him  that  the 
Decrees  of  Beiliw  ami  Milan  were  revoked;  there- 
vocation  to  take  tjft'ect  tm  the  1st  of  November  fol- 
lowing: that  the  inensurc  had  been  taken  by  his  gov- 
ernment in  conti:;  nee  that  the  British  government 
would  revoke  its  Orders,  and  renounce  its  lew  prin- 
ciples of  blockade,  or  tin*  the  TTnitl'd  States  would 
cause  Iheir  rights  to  Le  respeCiC  J,  conformably  to  the 
actof  May  1st,  1810. 

This  measure  of  the  French  government  was 
founded  on  the  law  ot  May  Ist,  1810,  as  is  expressly 
declared  in  the  lel.er  of  the  Dnke  of  Cadore  announc-' 
ingit.  The  Edicts  of  Great-Britain,  the  revocation 
of  which  were  expected  by  France,  were  those  allud- 
ed to  in  that  act ;  and  the  means  by  which  ihe  United 
Slates  should  cause  tlieir  rights  to  be  respected,  in 
case  Great-Biitain  should  not  revoke  her  Edicts,  were 
likewise  to  bi' found  in  the  same  act.  They  consist- 
ed meetly  in  the  enforcement  of  the  non-importation 
act  aglnnkt  Greitt-Bntain,  in  that  unexpected  and  im- 
probable bontingency. 

The  letter  of  the  5th  of  August,  which  announced 
the  revocation  of  the  French  Decrees,  was  communi- 
cated to  this  government,  in  consequence  of  which 
tlie  President  issued  a  proclamation  on  the  2d  of  No- 
vember, the  day  alter  that  on  which  the  repeal  oi  the 
French  Decrees  was  to  take  elfdct,  in  whch  he  de- 
olareci  that  all  the  restrictions  imposed  by  the  act  of 


HISTORY   OF   THE  WAU.  U.'» 

J^Iuy  1.s^  1810,  hIiouIiI  ooasc  nnd  ho  tlisconlinncd  in 
I'c'hition  to  Pi'iuico  uiul  lior  (Icpomleiicios.  It  was  u 
iU!C'e>«iirv  conseqnt'iice  of  Ihis  proclanialioii,  also,  thiit 
if  Greut-Briluiii  did  not  revoke  lu>r  Edicts,  the  uoiw 
importation  would  o|u>i';itti  on  licr,  at  the  cMid  of  three 
nioiithN.  This  nctiiallv  took  place.  She  declined  the 
I'evocation,  and  on  the  -2d  of  Ftbrnary  last,  that  law 
took  effect.  In  continuation  of  the  prr)cIani!\tion,  an 
net  of  CongreHS  wus  passed  on  the  2d  of  Mtirch  fol- 
lowing. 

Great-Britain  still  declines  to  revoke  her  Edicts, 
on  the  pretension  that  France  has  not  revoked  hrrs. 
Under  that  impression  she  infers  that  the  United 
States  have  done  her  injustice  by  carrying'  into  eft'ecl 
the  non-importation  against  her.  ' 

The  United  States  maintain  that  prance  has  re- 
yoked  her  Edicts,  so  far  as  they  violaled'tiicir  ncutra) 
rights,  and  were  (rontemphited  by  thelavy  of  May  Isl. 
1810,  and  have  on  that  i^'round  parli(  uiarly  cluiined 
and  do  expect  of  Great-Britain  a  similar  revocation. 

The  revocation  announced  ofriciaily  by  the  Froijcli 
minister  of  foreign  alfau's,  to  the  niinisttr  .plcnipotcn» 
tiary  of  the  United  States  at  Piiris,  on  liie  CAU  of 
August,  1810,  was  in  itself  sufticient  to  justify  Iht'  cluiiii 
of  the  United  States  to  a  concspondent  nieiisnre  iVoiii 
Great-Britain.  She  had  declared  that  she  woul^ 
proceed  pari  passu  in  the  repeal  with  Fiance,  an4 
the  day  being  fixed  when  the  repeal  of  the  French 
Decrees  should  take  efl'eet,  it  was  r(!iison;iI>i ;  to  con- 
clude that  Qreat-Bi'itain  wo-.ild  fix  the  saiup  day  for 
the  repeal  of  her  Orders.  Had  this  been  done,  tlic 
proclamation  of  the  President  would  have  annouiiC(;d 
the  revocation  of  the  Edicts  of  both  powers  at  the 
^amctime  and  in  consequence  thereof  the  non-impor- 
tation would  have  gone  into  operation  against  neilher. 
—Such,  too,  is  the  natural  course  of  proceeding  in 
transactions  between  independant  states  ;  and  such 
the  conduct  which  they  generally  observe  towards 
each  olher.  In  all  compacts  between  nations,  it  is  the 
duty  of  each  to  perform  what  it  stipulates,  and  to  pre- 
sume ou  the  good  faith  of  the  olher  for  a  like   pei- 


i^ 


!       I    :       B  I 


wo  HISTORY   OF  THE  WAR. 

foiinonce.  The  United  Slutt'u  linviri^  made  a  pro- 
posiil  to  both  Ixilligerentii  wvve  bound  to  accept  n 
compliance  from  either,  nnd  it  wah  no  objection  to 
tbn  French  compliance,  that  it  wns  in  a  form  to  take 
c'fl'ect  at  a  future  dny,  that  being  a  form  not  unusual 
in  other  public  acts  ;  even  when  itations  are  at  war 
stnd  make  peace,  this  obligation  of  n(  utral  confidcn^cc 
exists  and  is  respected.  In  treoMes  of  conunerce, 
by  wliich  their  future  intercourse  is  to  be  governed, 
the  obligation  is  the  same. — If  distrust  and  jealousy 
are  allowed  to  prevail,  the  moral  tie  which  binds  na- 
tions together  in  all  their  relations,  in  war  as  well  as 
in  peace,  is  broken. 

What   would  Great-Britain  ha* .    hazarded  by  a 

Erompt  compliance  in  the  manner  suggested  ?  She 
ad  declared  that  she  had  adopted  the  restraints  im- 
posed by  her  Orders  in  Council  with  reluctance,  be- 
cause ot  their  distressing  cflPtct  on  neutral  powers. 
Here  then  was  a  favorable  opportunity  presented  to 
her,  to  withdraw  from  that  measure  with  honor,  be 
the  conduct  of  France,  afterwards,  what  it  might. 
Had  Great-Britam  revoked  her  Orders,  and  France 
failed  to  fulfil  her  engagement,  she  would  have  gain- 
ed credit  at  the  expense  of  France,  and  could  have 
sustained  no  injury  by  it,  because  the  failure  of 
France  to  maintain  her  failh  would  have  replaced 
Cjreaf-Britain  at  tLe  point  from  which  she  had  depart- 
ed. To  say  that  a  disappointed  reliance  on  the  good 
faith  of  her  enemy,  would  have  reproached  her  fore- 
sight, would  be  to  set  a  high  r  value  on  that  quality 
than  on  consistency  and  gou  J  f'xith,  and  would  sacri- 
fice to  a  mere  suspicion  towards  an  enemy,  the  plain 
cijli(>ations  of  justice  towards  a  friendly  power. 

Great- Britain  has  declined  procceding/^art /)a«s?e 
with  France  in  the  revocation  of  their  respective 
£<lict8.  She  has  held  aloof,  and  claims  pf  the  United 
States,  proof,  not  only  that  France  has  revoked  her 
Decrees,  but  that  she  continues  to  act  in  conformity 
with  the  revocation. 

To  shew  tliat  the  repeal  is  respected,  it  i^  deemed 
sufficient  to  state,  that  not  one  vessel  has  been  con» 


niSTOIlY   OF  THE  AVAR. 


87 


demited  by  French  tribnnalM,  on  tlie  principles  of  Ummo 
Decvec!*,  Nincr  llie  l»l  of  November  Inst. — Tiie  New- 
Orleans  packet  from  Gibraltar  to  Bordeunx,  won  de- 
tained but  never  condemned.  The  Cirnce  Ann 
Green,  from  the  same  British  port,  to  Mur^eilles,  was 
likewise  detained,  but  ofterwardN  delivered  up  uncon- 
ditionally to  the  owner,  as  was  such  part  of  the  cargo 
of  the  Kew-Orlean!)  packet  ns  consisted  of  the  pro- 
duce of  the  United  States.  Both  these  vessels  pro- 
ceeding from  a  British  port,  carried  carffoes,  some 
articles  of  which  in  each,  were  prohibited  by  the  laws 
of  France,  or  admissible  by  the  sanction  ot  the  gov- 
ernment alone.  It  does  not  appear  that  their  deten- 
tion was  imputable  to  any  other  cause.  It' imputable 
to  the  circumstance  of  passing  from  a  British  to  a 
French  port,  or  on  account  of  any  part  of  their  car- 
goes, it  affords  no  cause  of  complaint  m  Great-Britain, 
as  a  violation  of  her  neutral  rights.  No  such  cause 
would  be  afforded,  even  in  a  case  of  condemnation. 
The  right  of  complaint,  would  have  belonged  to  the  4 
United  States. 

In  denying  the  revocation  of  the  Decrees,  so  far 
as  it  is  a  proper  subject  of  discussion  between  us,  it 
might  reasonably  be  expected  that  you  would  pro- 
duce some  examples  of  vessels  taken  at  sea,  in 
voyages  to  British  ports,  or  on  their  return  home,  and 
condemned  under  them  by  a  French  tribunal.  None 
such  has  been  aft'orded  by  you.  None  such  are 
known  to  this  government 

You  urge  o.ily  as  an  evidence  that  the  Decrees  arc 
not  repealed,  the  speech  of  the  £mneror  of  France 
to  the  deputies  from  the  free  cities  of  Hamburg,  Bre- 
men, and  Lubeck  ;  the  Imperial  Edict  dated  at  Fon- 
tainbleau  on  the  19th  of  October,  1810  ;  the  report 
of  the  French  minister  of  foreign  affairs,  dated  in  De> 
cember  last,  and  a  letter  of  the  minister  of  Justice  to 
the  President  of  the  Council  of  prizes  of  the  2.jth  of 
that  month. 

There  is  nothing  in  the  first  of  these  papers  incom- 
patible with  the  revocation  ot  the  Decrees,  in  respect 
fo  tlie  United   Stales.      It  is  distincly  declared  by 


,0 


\  } 


,  I 


■'A 


da 


HISTORY   OP  THE   WAR-. 


H 


i|f 


tbiB  Empei'or  in  his  speech  to  the  deputies  of  the 
H^inse  Towns,  that  the  blockade  of  the  British 
Islands  shall  cease  whpn  the  British  blockades  cense  ; 
and  that  the  French  blockade  shall  cease  in  favor  of 
thoi^e  nations  in  whose  favor  Great  Britain  revokes 
hers,  or  who  support  their  rit^hts  against  her  preten- 
sion, as  France  admits  the  United  States  will  do  by 
enforcing'  the  non-importution  act.  The  same  senti- 
ment is  expressed  in  the  report  of  the  ministers  of 
foreign  affairs. — ^I'he  Decree  of  Fontainbleau  having 
po  effect  on  the  high  seas,  cannot  be  broughtiuto  this 
discussion.  It  evidently  has  no  connection  with  neutral 
rights.  The  letter  from  the  minister  of  justice,  to 
the  President  of  the  Council  of  prizes,  is  of  a  different 
character.  It  relates  in  direct  terms  to  this  subject 
but  not  in  the  sense  in  which  you  understand  it.  Afr- 
ter  reciting  the  note  from  the  duke  of  Cadore  of  the 
5th  August  last,  to  the  American  minister  at  Paris, 
"which  announced  the  repeal  of  the  Fi'^nch  Decrees, 
^  and  the  proclamation  of  the  President  in  consequencf 
of  it,  it  stales  that  all  causes  arising  under  those  De-> 
crees  after  the  1st  of  November,  which  were  then  be- 
fore the  court,  or  might  afterwards  be  brought  before 
it,  should  not  be  judged  by  the  principles  of  the  De- 
crees, but  be  suspended  until  the  2d  February,  when 
the  United  States  having  fuifiled  their  engagement, 
the  captures  should  be  declared  void,  and  the  vessels 
and  their  cargoes  delivered  up  to  their  owners.  This 
paper  appears  to  afford  an  unequivocal  evidence  of 
the  revocation  of  thie  Decrees,  so  far  as  relates  to  the 
United  Stales.  By  instructing  the  French  tribunal 
to  make  no  decision  till  the  2d  of  February,  and  then 
to  restore  the  property  to  the  owners,  on  a  particular 
event  which  has  happened,  all  cause  of  doiibt  on  that 
point  seems  to  be  removed.  The  United  States  may 
justly  complain,of  delay  in  the  restitution  of  the  prop- 
erly, but  that  is  an  injury  which  effects  them  only. 
Great-Britain  has  no  right  to  complain  of  it  She 
WHS  interested  only  in  the  revocation  of  the  Decrees 
by  which  neutral  rights  would  be  secured  from  future 


violation  ; 
would  huv 
in  repealii 
that  day  ai 
At  the  san 
might  odd 
received  fi 
our  reprcsi 
are  in  accc 
Milan  Dec 
the  United 
best,  and  d 
operate,  is-' 
Itisacai^e 
inent  of  af 
case  occun 
they  would 
plied,  is  a  p 
these  proof] 
not  remind 
nieroiis   ca 
which  conti 
at  e  enforccf 
are  suppose 
BulGrea 
letters,  that 
Council,  uii 
ed  to  the  st 
Milan  Deci 
are  repeals 
to  permit  Gi 
it  llitMi  mea 
to  trade  wit 
thatej)och? 
conquests 
Great-Brita 
posed  to  tra 
in  their  situj 
and  those  o 
I  Iiere  is  no 


■IIIM 


HISTORY   OP  THE   WAR. 


89 


violalioii  ;  or  if  she  had  been  interested  in  the  delay  it 
Mould  have  aftbrded  no  pretext  for  more  than  a  delay 
in  repealing  her  orders  the  2d  of  February.  From 
that  day  at  farthest  the  French  Decrees  would  cease. 
At  the  sajne  day  ought  her  Orders  to  have  ceased.  I 
might  add  to  this  statement,  that  every  communication 
received  from  the  French  government,  either  through 
our  i-eprcsentatives  there,  or  its  representatives  here, 
arc  in  accord  with  the  actual  repeal  of  the  Berlin  and 
Milan  Decrees^  in  relation  to  the  neutral  commerce  of 
the  United  Stales.  But  it  will  suffice  to  remark  that  the 
best,  and  duly  adequate  evidence  bf  their  ceasing  to 
opei'dte,  islliedefectfOf  evidence  that  they  do  operate. 
It  is  a  ca6e  where  the  want  of  proof  against  the  fulfil- 
ment of  a  pledge  is  proof  of  the  fultilment.  Every 
case  occurring,  to  which  if  the  Decrees  were  in  force, 
they  would  be  applied,  and  to  which  they  are  not  ap- 
plied, is  a  proof  that  they  are  not  in  force.  And  if 
these  proofs  have  not  been  more  multiplied,  I  need 
not  remind  you  that  a  cause  is  to  be  found  in  the  nu- 
merous captures  under  your  Orders  in  Council, 
which  continue  to  evince  the  rigour  with  which  they 
aie  enfor<;ed,  after  a  failure  of  the  basis  on  which  they 
are  supposed  to  rest.  -^i  l'i;s>>'/' a  .;r.  .o,  na'U>-v<t 
But  Great-Britain  contends,  as  appears  by  your  last 
letters,  that  she  ought  not  to  revoke  her  Oi'ders  in 
Council,  until  the  commerce  of  the  continent  is  restor- 
ed to  the  state  in  which  it  stood  before  the  Berlin  asd 
Milan  Decrees  were  issued ;  until  the  French  Decrees 
are  repealed  not  only  as  to  the  United  States,  but  so  as 
to  (leiinit  Great-Britain  to  trade  with  the  continent.  Is 
it  then  meant  that  Great-Britain  should  be  allowed 
to  trade  with  all  the  powei's  with  whom  she  traded  at 
that  epoch?  Since  that  time  France  has  extended  her 
conquests  to  the  north,  and  raised  enemies  against 
Great-Britain,  where  she  then  had  friends.  Is  it  pro- 
]>oged  to  trade  with  them  notwithstanding  the  change 
in  their  situation  ?  Between  the  enemies  of  one  state 
and  those  of  another,  no  discrimination  can  be  made. 
There  is  none  in  reason  nor  can  there  be  any  of  riglit. 


't 


1^ 


1  1 


^'1-  1^1  ' 


i, 


II  ! I 


40 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


in  practice.  Or  do  you  maintain  the  general  princw 
pie  and  contend  that  Great-Britain  ought  to  trade 
with  France  and  her  Allies  ?  Between  enemies  there 
can  he  no  commerce.  The  vessels  of  either  taken  by 
the  other  are  liable  to  confiscation  and  are  always 
confiscated.  The  number  of  enemies  or  extent  of 
country  which  they  occupy,  cannot  affect  the  question. 
The  laws  of  war  govern  the  relation  which  subsist  !>€•> 
tween  them,  which  especially  in  the  circumstance  un- 
der consideration  are  invariable.  They  were  the 
same  in  times  the  most  remote  that  they  now  are. 
Even  if  peace  had  taken  place  between  Grent-Bri- 
tainandthe  powers  of  the  continent  she  would  not 
trade  with  them  without  their  consent.  Or  does 
Great-Britain  contend,  that  the  United  States  as  a 
neutral  power,  ought  to  open  the  continent  to  her  com- 
merce, on  such  terms  as  she  may  designate  ?  On 
what  principle  can  she  set  up  such  a  claim  ?  No  ex- 
ample of  it  can  be  found  in  the  history  of  past  wars, 
nor  is  it  founded  in  any  recognized  principle  of  war, 
or  in  any  semblance  of  reason  or  right.  The  United 
States  could  not  maintain  such  a  claim  in  their 
own  favor,  though  neutral — when  advanced  in  fa- 
vor of  an  enemy,  it  would  be  the  most  preposterous 
and  extravagant  claim  ever  heard  of.  Every  power 
w  hen  not  restrained  by  treaty,  has  a  right  to  regulate 
its  trade  with  other  nations,  in  such  a  manner  as  it 
finds  it  most  consistent  with  its  interest;  to  admit, 
and  on  its  own  conditions,  or  to  prohibit  the  importation 
of  such  articles  as  are  necessary  to  supply  the  wants,  or 
encourage  the  industry  of  its  people.  In  what  light 
would  Great-Britain  view  an  application  from  the: 
United  States  for  the  repeal  of  right  of  any  act  of  her 
parliament,  which  prohibited  the  importation  of  any 
article  from  the  United  States,  such  as  their  fish,  or 
their  oil  ?  Or  which  claimed  the  diminution  oi'the  du- 
ty on  any  other,  such  as  their  tobacco  on  which  so 
great  a  revenue  is  raised  ?  In  what  light  would  she- 
view  a  similar  application  made  at  the  instance  of 
France,  for  Ihe  importation  into  England,  of  any  art' 


cle  the  [ 

was  the 

If  del 

merican 

merce  ii 

tory  basi 

observeci 

ested. 

France, 

tion  of  G 

epoch  at 

place.     ] 

able  that 

which  ha 

of  the  pi 

might  no 

Every 

creases  tl 

the  princ 

are  so  un 

the  3d  an 

your  gov« 

wishes  oi 

culties  w 

Council. 

the  calam 

pie  mean 

tain  with 

station. 

trals,  thej 

their  righ 

beyond  e: 

which  it  h 

important 

character, 

so  far  as  t 

Uiiited  fc 

most  des 

Britain  fu 

ed  will  so< 


HISTORY  O^  THE  WAR. 


41 


cle  the  growth  ot*  manufacture  of  that  power  whiclTit 
was  the  policy  of  the  British  government  to  prohibits 
.  If  delays  have  taken  place  in  the  restitution  of  A« 
merican  property,  and  in  placing  the  American  com^ 
merce  in  the  ports  of  France  on  a  fair  and  satisfac* 
tory  basis,  they  involve  questions,  as  has  already  been 
observed,  in  which  the  United  States  alone  are  inter* 
ested.  As  they  do  not  violate  the  revocation  by 
France,  of  her  Edicts,  they  caimot  impair  the  obliga- 
tion of  Great- Britain  to  revoke  hers;  nor  change  the 
epoch  at  which  the  revocation  ought  to  have  taken 
place.  Had  that  duly  followed,  it  is  more|than  prob- 
able that  those  circumstances,  irrelative  as  they  are» 
which  have  excited  doubt  in  the  British  government 
of  the  practical  revocation  of  the  French  Decrees, 
wight  not  have  occurred. 

Every  view  which  can  be  taken  of  this  subject  in- 
creases the  painful  surprise  at  the  innovations  on  all 
the  principles  and  usages  heretofore  observed,  which 
are  so  unreservedly  contended  for,  in  your  letters  of 
the  3d  and  16th  inbt.  and  which,  if  persisted  in  by 
your  government  presents  such  an  obstacle  to  the 
wishes  of  the  United  States,  for  a  removal  of  the  diffi- 
culties which  have  been  connected  with  the  Orders  in 
Council.  It  is  the  interest  of  belligerents  to  mitigate 
the  calamities  of  war,  and  neutral  powers  possess  am- 
ple means  to  promote  that  object,  provided  they  sus- 
tain with  impartiality  and  firmness  the  dignity  of  their 
station.  If  belligerents  expect  advantage  from  neu- 
trals, they  should  leave  them  in  the  full  enjoyment  of 
their  rights.  The  present  war,  has  been  oppressive 
beyond  example,  by  its  duration,  and  by  the  desolation 
which  it  has  spread  throughout  Europe.  It  is  highly 
important  that  it  should  assume,  at  least,  a  milder 
character.  By  the  revocation  of  the  French  Edicts, 
so  far  as  they  resfiected  the  neutral  commerce  of  the 
Ui'ited  States,  some  advance  is  made  towards  that 
most  desirable  and  consoling  result.  Let  Great- 
Britain  follow  the  example.  The  grouind  thus  gain- 
ed will  soon  be  enlarged  by  the  concurring  and  preH- 


!■'. 


{Mii 


i*  1 


42 


HISTORY  OF  THE   WAR* 


sing  interest  of  all  parties,  and  whatever  is  gained,  wiH 
accrue  to  the  advantage  of  afflicted  humanity. 

I  proceed  to  notice  another  part  of  your  letter  of  the 
3d  inst.  M'hich  is  viewed  in  a  more  favorable  ligl^t. 
The  President  has  received  with  great  satisfaction  the 
communication  that  should  the  Ordei*s  in  Council  of 
1807,  be  revoked,  the  blockade  of  May  of  the  preced- 
ing year,  would  cease  with  them,  and  that  any  block- 
ade which  should  afterwards  be  instituted,  should  be 
duly  notified  and  maintained  by  an  adequate  force. 
This  frank  find  explicit  declaration,  worthy  of  the 
prompt  and  amicable  measure  adopted  by  the  Prince 
Regent  in  coming  into  power,  seems  to  remove  a  ma- 
terial obstacle  to  an  accommodation  of  differences 
between  our  countries,  and  when  followed  by  the  re- 
vocation of  the  Orders  in  Council, .  will,  as  I  am 
authorised  to  inform  you,  produce  an  immediate  ter- 
mination of  the  non-importation  laM',  by  an  exercise 
of  the  power  vested  in  the  President  for  that  purpose. 

I  conclude  with  remarking  that  if  1  have  confined 
this  letter  to  the  subjects  brought  intd  view  by  yours ; 
it  is  not  because  the  United'btates  have  lost  sight  in 
any  degree  of  the  other  very  serious  causes  of  com- 
plaint, on  which  they  have  received  no  satisfaction, 
but  because  the  conciliatory  policy  of  this  government 
lias  thus  far  separated  the  case  of  the  Orders  in  Coun- 
cil from  others,  and  because  with  :  ^spect  to  these 
others,'  your  communication  has  not  afforded  axn 
reasoriable  prospect  of  resuming  them,  at  this  time, 
with  success.  It  is  presumed  that  the  same  liberal 
■view  of  the  true  interests  of  Great-Britain,  and  friend- 
ly disposition  towards  the  United  States,  which  in- 
duced the  Prince  Regent  to  remove  so  material  a 
difficulty  as  had  arisen  in  relation  to  a  repeal  of  the 
Orders  id  Council,  will  lead  to  a  moie  favorable 
fnrther  consideration  of  the  remaining  difficulties  on 
that  subject;  and  that  the  advantages  of  ar  amicable 
adjustment  of  every  question,  de[)ending   bet^neen 


*-'-ijll' 


{.''J'« 


,«» 


■■^^■Uii^'U&'Jt  iS 


'>  "^li  i\- 


HISTORY  OF  THE   >VAB. 


S 


Mie  two  coiinti'ies,  will  be  seen  by  your  government, 
m  the  same  liglit,  us  tliey  are  by  thiit  of  the  United 
States. 

I  have  the  honor, to  be,  &c. 

(Signed^  JAMES  MONIVOJE. 


I 

I    . 

i  ■  .■>       ,:  • 

- 

-  t  ,•     .Hi 

I  ' 

•     t*4 

I  I 
i 


Mr.  Foster  to  Mr.  Monroe. 


>  ( 


SIR, 


\\1&SHXN6TPN,  July  24th,  1811. 


Having  been  unable  io  ascertain  distinctly  from 
your  letter  to  me  of  yesterday's  date,  whether  it  w^s 
the  determination  ot  the  President  to  rest  satisfied 
with  the  partial  repeal  of  the  Berlin  and  Milan  De- 
crees, which  you  believe  has  taken  place,  so  as  to  see 
no  reason,  in  the  conduct  t^f  France,  for  altering  the 
relations  between  this  country  and  Great-Britain,  by 
exercising  his  power  of  suspending  the  operation  of 
the  non«iniportation  act,  allow  me  to  repeat  my  ques- 
tion to  you  ot)  this  point,  as  contained  in  my  letter  of 
the  14th  iust.  before  I  proceed  to  make  any  com- 
ments on  your  answer. 

1  have  the  himor  to  be,  with  distinguished  consid- 
eration, sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

AUGUSTUS  J.  FOSTEK. 

-    ;'■!     -i-'.'-    .f}..;'  i',-- 


Mr  Foster  to  Mr,  Monroe. 


i  utv 


SIR, 


,-  -WASHINGTON,  July  26lh,  1811.  [ 


I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter  of  July 
23d,  in  answer  to  mine  of  the  3d  and  14th  inst.  which 
you  will  permit  me  to  say  were  not  merely  relative 
to  his  Miijesty*s  Orders  in  Council,  and  the  blockade 
of  May  1806,  but  also  to  the  President's  proclama- 
tion of  last  November,  and  to  the  consequent  act  ot 


1  i    » 


i'  If'! 


44 


HISTORY  OF  THIS  WAR. 


Congress  of  March  2d,  as  M'ell  as  to  the  just  com- 
plaints which  his  Royal  Highness,  the  Prince  Re- 
jfent,  had  commanded  me  to  make  to  your  govern- 
ment, with  respect  to  the  proclamation  and  to  that 
act. 

If  the  Unite<l  States*  government  had  expected 
that  I  .should  have  made  communications  which 
would  have  enabled  them  to  come  to  an  accommo- 
dation with  Great-Britain  on  the  ground  on  which 
alone  you  say  it  was  possible  to  meet  us,  and  that  you 
mean  by  that  expression  a  departure  from  our  system 
of  defence  against  the  new  kind  of  warfare  still  prac* 
tised  by  France,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  discover  from  what 
source  they  could  have  derived  those  expectations  3 
certainly  not  from  the  correspondence  between  the 
Marquis  Wellesly  and  Mr.  Pinkney. 

Before  I  proceed  to  reply  to  the  arguments  which 
an  brought  forward  by  you  to  show  that  the  Decrees 
of  Berlin  and  Milan  are  repealed,  I  must  first  enter 
into  an  explanation  upon  some  points  on  which  you 
ha\e  evidently  misapprehended,  fori  will  not  suppose 
you  could  have  wished  to  misinterpret  my  meaning. 

And  first,  in  regard  to  the  blockade  of  May,  1,8()6, 
I  must  avow  that  I  am  wholly  at  a  loss  to  find  out 
from  what  part  of  niy  letter  it  is  that  the  President  has 
drawn  the  unqualified  inference,  that  should  the  Or- 
ders in  Councd  of  1807,  be  revoked,  the  blockade  of 
May,  1806,  would  cease  with  them. — It  is  most  mate- 
rial that,  on  this  point,  no  mistake  should  exist  be- 
tween us.  From  your  letter  it  would  appear,  as  if  on 
the  question  of  bli  ckade  which  America  had  so  un- 
expectedly conne(  ted  with  her  demand  for  a  repeal 
of  our  Orders  in  Coincil,  Great-Britain  had  made  the 
concession  requirea  of  her;  as  if,  after  all  that  has 
passed  on  the  subject,  after  the  astonishment  and  re- 
gret of  his  Majesty's  government  at  the  United  Stales 
Having  taken  up  the  view  which  the  French  govern- 
ment presented,  of  our  just  and  legitimate  principles 
of  blockade,  which  are  exemplified  in  the  blockade  of 
May,  1806,  the  whole  ground  taken  by  his  Majesty's 


governmf 

the  honor 

draw  up  s 

those  of  t 

which  th 

never  aie< 

now  beg 

blockade 

repeal  of  I 

governme 

applicatioi 

its  being  s 

time.     If, 

ly  presente 

cles  to  a  c 

tries  can  fc 

meat  wavi 

when  they 

Orders,  an 

ment,  itw 

beg  distinc 

edgemcnt 

consequent 

cil ;  when€ 

there  will  \. 

On  anoti 

have  misco 

of  my  lettei 

on  the  part 

a  painful  su 

new  preteni 

In  answer  t 

Decrees  or 

tarn  compla 

retaliatory  1 

view  the  B< 

not  denied, 

provisions  0 

war  on  the  | 

her  ruler,  an 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


46 


government  vas  at  once  abandoned.  When  I  had 
the  honor  to  exhibit  to  you  my  instrucl.ions,  and  to 
draw  up  as  I  conceived,  accordmg  toyour  wishes  and 
those  01  tlie  President,  a  statement  of  tlie  mode  in 
which  that  blockade  would  probably  disappear ;  I 
never  meant  to  authorise  tiuch  a  conclusion,  and  [ 
now  beg  most  unequivocally  to  disclaim  it.  The 
blockade  of  May  1806,  will  not  continue  after  the 
repeal  of  the  Orders  in  Council,  unless  his  Majesty's 
government  shall  think  tit  to  sustain  it  by  the  special 
application  of  a  sufficient  naval  force,  and  the  fact  of 
its  being  so  continued  or  not,  will  be  notified  at  the 
time.  If,  in  this  view  of  the  matter,  which  is  certain, 
ly  presented  in  a  conciliatory  spirit,  one  of  the  obsta- 
cles to  a  complete  understanding  between  our  coun- 
tries can  be  removed  by  the  United  States  govern- 
ment waving  all  further  reference  to  that  blockade 
when  they  can  be  justified  in  asking  a  repeal  of  the 
Orders,  aitd  if  I  may  communicate  this  to  my  govern, 
ment,  it  will  undoubtedly  be  very  satisfactory  ;  but  I 
beg  distinctly  to  disavow  having  made  any  acknowU 
edgement  that  the  blockade  would  cease  merely  in 
consequence  of  a  revocation  of  the  Orders  in  Coun- 
cil ;  whenever  it  does  cease,  it  wdl  cease  because 
there  will  be  no  adequate  force  to  tnai.ntain  it. 

On  another  very  material  point,  sir,  you  appear  to 
have  misconstrued  my  words ;  for  in  no  one  passage 
of  my  letter  can  I  discover  any  mention  of  innovations 
on  the  part  of  Great-Britain,  such  as  you  say  excited 
a  painful  surprise  in  your  government.  There  is  no 
new  pretension  set  up  by  his  Majesty's  government. 
In  answer  to  questions  of  yours,  as  to  what  were  the 
Decrees  or  regulations  of  France  which  Great-Bri- 
tain complained  of,  and  against  which  she  directs  her 
retaliatory  measures,  I  brought  distinctly  into  your 
view  the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees,  and  you  have 
not  denied,  because,  indeed,  you  could  not,  that  the 
provisions  of  those  Decrees  were  new  measures  of 
war  on  the  part  of  Prance,  acknowledged  as  such  by 
her  ruler,  and  contrary  to  the  principles  and  usages  of 


1  1 


!'r  ■  \i ' 


< 


40 


HISTORY  OP  THK  AVAR. 


v?ivilized  iintions.  That  the  present  war  has  been  op- 
premive  beyond  example  by  its  duration,  and  the  des- 
ohition  it  spreqds  thruuirh  Europe,  I  willingly  au^reu 
with  you,  but  the  ITnited  States  cannot  surely  mean 
to  attribute  the  cause  to  Great-Britain.  The  question 
between  Great-Britain  and  France  is  that  of  an  hon- 
orable strU{B^gle  against  the  lawless  eft'orU  of  an  am- 
bitious tyrant,  and  America  can  but  have  the  wish  ol 
every  independent  nation  as  to  its  result. 

On  a  third  point,  sn*,  I  have  a!so  to  regret  that  my 
meaning  should  have  been  mistaken.  Great-Britaiti 
never  contended  that  British  merchant  vessels  should 
be  allowed  to  trade  with  her  enemies,  or  that  British 
property  should  be  allowed  ent-y  iuti  their  ports,  as 
you  would  infer  ;  such  a  pretension  would  indeed  be 
])reposterous ;  but  Great-Britain  does  contend  against 
the  system  of  terror  put  in  practice  by  France,  by 
which  usurping  authority  wherever  her  arms  or  the 
timidity  of  nations  will  enable  her  to  extend  her  influ- 
ence, she  makes  it  a  crime  to  neutral  countries  as  well 
as  individuals  that  they  should  possess  articles,  howev- 
er acquired,  which  may  have  been  once  the  produce 
of  English  industry  or  of  the  British  soil.  Against 
such  an  abomuiable  and  extravagant  pretension  every 
feeling  must  revolt,  and  the  honor ,  no  less  than  the 
interest  of  Great-Britain  engages  her  to  oppose  it. 

Turning  to  the  course  of  argument  contained  in 
your  letter,  aiiow  me  to  express  my  surprise  at 
the  conclusion  you  draw  in  considering  the  question 
of  priority  relative  to  the  French  Decrees  or  British 
Orders  in  Council.  It  was  clearly  proved  that  !hi' 
blockade  of  May,  1806,  was  maintained  by  an  ade- 
quate naval  force,  and  therefore  was  a  blockade 
founded  on  just  and  legitimate  principles,  and  1  have 
not  heard  that  it  was  considered  in  a  contrary  light 
when  notified  as  such  to  you  by  Mr.  Secretary  Fox, 
nor  until  it  suited  the  views  ot  France  to  endeavor 
to  have  it  considered  otherwise.  Why  America  took 
lip  the  view  the  French  government  chose  to  give  of 
it,  and  could  see  in  it  grounds  for  the  French  De- 
crees, was  always  matter  of  astonishment  in  England. 


Your  n 

our  systen 

from  the  c 

April,  ISO 

calculated 

ef  the  orig 

iicital  effie 

always  sini 

ment ;  but 

them  they 

As  U  th 

the  just  an( 

enemy  ;  if 

on  the  occij 

enforces  th« 

only  empty 

In  the  v 

America,  i 

and  in  the  < 

impartiality 

importation 

you.     Thai 

tish  trade,  e 

ties  in  the  I 

the  statemei 

which  Mas 

November ' 

oftheprocla 

You  urg€ 

to  proceed  p 

Edicts,  lilt 

step  France 

^:)in  has  rep 

when.theFr 

declaration. 

I  have  sta 

letter  of  Au| 

Edicts,  prov 

or  America 

i-iitnre :  ai,d 


HISTORY  OP  THE  ■^VAR. 


4T 


ill 


ed  in 

rise  at. 
eslioii 
itiiih 

ade- 
ckade 
have 
light 
Fox, 
eavor 
a  look 
ive  of 

m- 

gUnd. 


Your  remarks  on  modifications  at  various  times  of 
our  system  of  retaliation  will  require  the  less  reply 
from  the  circumstance  of  the  Orders  in  Council  r,f 
April,  ifl09,  having  superceded  them  hII.  They  were 
calculated  for  ihe  si  vowed  purpose  of  softening  the  efter.t 
cf  the  original  Orders  on  neutrsd  commerce,  the  inci- 
tit.ital  eflect  of  those  Orders,  on  neutrals  having  l)een 
always  sincerely  regreled  by  his  Majesty's  govern- 
ment ;  but  when  it  was  found  that  neutrals  objected  to 
them  they  were  remoTed. 

As  t(  the  principle  of  retaliation,  it  is  founded  on 
the  just  and  natural  right  of  self  defence  against  our 
enemy  ;  if  France  is  unable  to  enforce  her  Decrees 
on  the  ocean,  it  is  not  from  the  want  of  will,  for  she 
enforces  them  wherever  she  can  do  it ;  her  threats  are 
only  empty  \ihere  her  power  is  of  no  avail. 

In  the  view  you  have  taken  of  the  conduct  of 
America,  in  her  relations  with  the  two  belligerents, 
and  in  the  conclusion  you  draw  with  respect  to  the 
impartiality  of  your  country,  as  exemplifiecf  in  the  non- 
importation law,  I  lament  to  say  I  cannot  agree  with 
you.  That  act  is  a  direct  measure  against  the  Bri- 
tish trade,  enactedat  a  time  when  all  the  legal  authori- 
ties in  the  United  Stales  appeared  ready  to  contest 
the  statement  of  a  repeal  of  the  French  Decrees,  on 
which  was  founded  the  President's  proclamation  of 
November  2d,  and  consequently  to  dispute  the  justice 
of  the  proclamation  itself. 

You  urge,  sir,  that  the  British  government  promised 
\o  proceeii  pari  passu  with  France  in  the  repeal  of  her 
Edicts.  It  isto  be  wished  yon  could  point  out  to  us  any 
step  France  has  taken  in  repeal  of  hers.  Great-Bn- 
tiiiii  has  repeatedly  declare<l  that  she  would  repeal 
when  J.heFrench  did  so,  and  she  means  to  keep  to  that 
declaration. 

I  have  stated  to  you  that  we  could  not  consider  the 
letter  of  August  5,  declaring  the  repeal  of  the  Freiu^h 
Edicts,  providing  we  revoked  our  Orders  in  Council, 
or  America  rerented  our  not  doing  so,  as  a  step  of  that 
ijatnre ;  and  the  French  government  knew  that  we 


ik' 


■  ■  I      1] 


'lil 


48 


HISTORY  OF  THE  V'All. 


could  not ;  their  object  was  evidt-ntly  while  their  8ys- 
tern  was  adhered  to,  in  all  its  rigour,  to  endeavor  to 
persuade  the  American  government  that  they  had  re* 
iaxed  from  it  and  to  induce  her  to  proceed  in  enfor- 
cing the  i^ubmission  (»f  Great- Britain  to  the  inordinate 
demands  of  France.  *t  is  to  be  lamented  that  they 
have  but  too  well  sui cee^ied ;  for  the  United  Slates 
government  appear  to  have  considered  the  French 
Declaration  in  the  sense  in  which  France  wished  it  to 
be  taken,  as  an  absolute  repeal  of  her  Decrees,  without 
adverting  to  tlie  conditional  terms  which  accompani- 
ed it. 

But  you  assert  that  no  violations  of  your  neutral 
rights  by  France  occur  on  the  high  seas,  and  that 
these  were  all  the  violations  alhided  to  in  the  act  of 
Congress  of  May,  1810.  1  readily  believe  indeed  that 
such  cases  are  rare,  but  it  is  owing  to  the  preponde- 
rance of  the  British  navy  that  they  are  so,  when  scarce 
ashi[)  under  the  Freuch  Hag  can  venture  to  sea  with- 
out being  taken,  it  is  not  extraordinary  that  they  make 
no  captures.  If  such  violations  alone  were  within  the 
purview  of  your  law,  there  would  seem  to  have  bteh 
no  necessity  for  its  enactment.  The  Bri.ish  navy 
might  have  been  sately  trusted  for  the  prevention  of 
this  occurrence.  But  I  have  always  believed  and 
my  government  hits  believed  that  the  American 
legislators  had  in  view  in  the  provision  of  ti.eir  law 
as  it  respects  France  not  only  her  deeds  ul  violence 
on  the  seas,  but  all  the  novel  and  extraordinary  pre- 
tensions and  practices  of  her  government  which  in- 
fringed their  neutral  rights. 

We  have  had  no  evidence  as  yet  of  any  of  those 
pretensions  being  abandoned.  To  the  ambiguous  de- 
claration in  Mr.  Champagny's  note  is  opposed  the 
unambiguous  and  personal  declaration  of  Bonaparte 
himself.  You  urge  that  there  is  nothing  nicouiputi- 
ble  with  the  revocation  of  the  Decrees  in  respect  to 
1  he  United  States  in  his  expressions  to  the  deputies 
from  the  free  cities  of  Hamburgh,  Bren\en,  and  hu- 
beck,  that  it  is  distinctly  stated  in   that  speech,  that 


the  block 

the  Brit 

blockad< 

whose  fi 

port  theii 

It  is  tc 

parts  of  tl 

Britain  s 

are  those 

France  w 

Milan,  wl 

to  bethel 

I  do  no 

flio  ruler  i 

the  repea 

States.    1 

the  sacrifi^ 

blished  ru 

indeed  the 

Decrees,  I 

it  is  very  c 

Thel)e 

ed  on  the 

19th  Octol 

tence.     T 

ber  8,  ann( 

Decrees  is 

a  re-perusi 

the  2dth  la 

I  drew  fro 

ter  make  tl 

sels,  taken 

quenceof  t 

revocation. 

sincere,  tlu 

neutral  rigl 

That  they 

is  notoriou» 

Your  go 

2n  ambiguo 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


4» 


hose 
sde- 

the 
)arle 
pati- 

t  to 
»uttcs 

Ln- 

tJuii 


the  blockade  of  the  British  Ishnua  shall  cease  when 
the  British  blockade  shall  cease,  antl  that  the  French 
blockade  shall  cease  in  favor  of  those  nations  in 
ivhose  favor  Great-Britain  revokes  he vs  or  vvho  sup- 
port their  rights  against  her  pretensions. 

It  is  to  be  infered  from  this  and  the  corresponding 
parts  of  the  declaration  alluded  to,  that  unless  Great- 
Britain  sacrifices  her  principles  of  blockade,  M'hich 
are  those  authorized  by  the  established  laws  of  nations, 
France  will  still  maintain  her  D  ecrees  of  Berlin  and 
Milan,  which  indeed,  the  speech  in  question  declares 
to  be  the  fundamental  laws  of  the  French  empire. 

I  do  not,  I  confess,  conceive  how  these  avowals  of 
(lio  ruler  of  France,  can  be  said  to  be  compatible  with 
the  repeal  of  his  Decrees  in  respect  to  the  United 
States.  If  the  United  States  are  prepared  to  insist  on 
the  sacrifices  by  Great-Britain  of  the  ancient  and  esta- 
blished rules  of  maritime  war  practised  by  her,  then 
indeed  Ihey  may  avoid  the  operation  of  the  French 
Decrees,  but  otherwise,  according  to  this  document, 
it  is  very  clear  that  they  are  still  subjected  to  them. 

The  Decree  of  Fountainbleau  is  confessedly  found- 
ed on  the  Decrees  of  Berlin  and  Milan,  dated  the 
19th  October,  1810,  and  proves  their  continued  exis- 
tence. The  report  of  the  French  minister  of  Decem- 
ber 8,  announcing  the  perseverance  of  France  in  her 
Decrees  is  still  further  in  confirmation  of  them,  and 
a  re-perusal  of  the  letter  of  the  minister  of  Justice,  of 
the  2dth  last  December,  confii'ms  me  in  the  inference 
I  drew  from  it,  for  otherwise  why  should  that  minis- 
ter make  the  prospective  restoration  of  American  ves- 
sels, taken  after  the  1st  of  November,  to  be  a  conse- 
quence of  the  non-importation,  and  not  of  the  Frenqh 
revocation.  If  the  French  government  bad  been 
sincere,  they  would  have  ceased  infringing  on  the 
neutral  rights  of  America,  at\er  the  1st  November. — 
That  they  violated  them,  however,  alter  that  period, 
is  notorious.        <it  i.«^  lori  .  ".'  i 

Your  government  seem  to  let  it  be  understood  that 
an  ambiguous  declaration  from  Great-Britain,  similar* 


7 


sit 


H.l:l 


; . ;     • 

;   i' 

!   ' 

I 

'  ^ 

* 


M 


40 


ntSTonv  OP  tub  wau. 


to  that  of  the  French  minister,  would  hove  bepti  M- 
crptuble  to  them,  lint,  sir,  In  it  cunMMtnt  uith  the 
dignity  of  a  nation  thnt  reNperts  itKelt,  to  s\)e»k  in  nm- 
biguous  InngUHge?  The  hubjtcU  uiiil  eiti/enK  of 
either  country  would  in  ll  e  end  be  the  victiniN,  as 
many  are  olreudy,  in  nil  probability,  w  bo  troni  a  mis- 
conntruction  of  the  meaning'  ol  the  Freitcli  jrovern- 
ment,  have  been  led  into  the  most  imprudent  specu- 
lations. Such  conduct  Mould  not  be  to  proceed fiori 
pusm  with  France  in  revoking  our  Edicts,  but  tode- 
Hcend  to  the  uho  of  the  perfidiouH  and  juggling  con- 
trivances of  her  cobinet,  \*y  which  hhe  fills  her  coffers 
at  the  exfiense  of  independent  natioiis.  A  similar 
construction  of  proceedntg  pari  pmim  might  lead  to 
such  Decrees  as  those  of  Uambouillet,  or  ot  Bayonne, 
to  the  system  of  exclusion  or  ofjicinees,  ail  n:easures 
of  France  against  the  American  commerce,  is  noth- 
ing {diort  of  absolute  hostility. 

It  is  urged  that  no  vessel  has  been  condemned  by 
the  tribunals  of  France,  on  the  principles  of  her  De- 
crees since  the  1st  of  November.  You  allow,  how- 
ever, that  there  have  been  some  detauied  since  that 
period,  and  that  such  part  of  the  cargoes  as  consisted 
of  goods  not  the  produce  of  America,  was  seized,  and 
the  other  part,  together  with  the  vessel  itself,  only  re- 
leased after  the  President's  proclamation  bicamo 
k:iown  in  France.  These  circumstances  surely,  only 
prove  tlie  difficulty  that  France  is  under  in  rcconcil- 
nig  her  anti-commercial  and  anti-neutral  system,  with 
her  desire  to  express  her  satist'aclioit  at  the  measures 
taken  in  America  against  the  commerce  of  Great- 
Britain.  8he  seizes  in  virtue  of  the  Berlin  and  Milan 
Decrees,  but  she  makes  a  partial  restoration  for  the 
purpose  of  deceiving  Amenoa. 

I  have  now  followed  yuu,  I  believe,  sir,  through  the 
whole  range  pf  your  argument,  and  on  reviewing  the 
course  of  it  I  think  I  may  securely  say  that  no  satis- 
factory proof  has  yet  been  brought  tbrw  ard  of  the  re- 
peal of  the  obnoxious  Decrees  of  France,  but  on  the 
coiitrarVf  that  it  appears  Ui(:y  continue  in  full  force, 


oonseqiK 
with  jiHl 
of  her  0 
cotn(»laii 
in  enfurc 
to  the  ex 
in  obtain! 
it  was  no 
ed  her  a; 
hud  recei 
ing  no  tr 
publicly  I 
tions  you 
Great- Ui' 
enemies  s 
you  the  v 
the  quest 
now  only 
the  Unite 
union  wi 
crushing 

From 
cy  or  int 
a  call  u;k 
favors  Fi 
cannot,  h 
tions  are, 
the  Cong 
subject  b 
happy  re 

I  liave 
tion  and ; 
vant, 

To  the 

ii.  .- 1  :;■; .    .  ■' 
.'.J.    iij-l, -i 


.      .     \     • 


IIIMTORY   OF  Till!:  WAH. 


ol 


oonsf>qucnlly  tliut  no  pfroundu  esiMt  on  %vliirli  you  can, 
witli  justice,  ileniiuul  of  Givut-Britnin  n.  revocntioii 
q\'  her  Orilent  in  Cou:icil ; — thut  we  liuve  a  right  to 
coni|>laui  ofthcconiUictot'thc  American  government, 
in  enforcing  the  provisiouH  of  (he  act  of  May,  IHIO, 
to  the  exchision  of  the  British  trudt;,  and  aftciwui'ttH 
in  obtaining  n  special  hiw  for  the  siune  |)ur|)OMe,  titough 
it  was  notoriouM  at  the  time  that  France  still  continu- 
cil  her  aggression!*  upon  American  commerce,  and 
hud  recentlv  prouudgated  anew  her  De<'roes,  siift'er- 
jng  no  trade  from  this  country,  hut  through  licences 
publicly  sold  by  her  agent,  and  that  all  the  suppo^i. 
tions  yQU  have  formed  of  innovations  on  the  part  of 
Great-Uritain,  or  of  her  pretensions  to  trade  with  hei 
enemies  are  wholly  groundless.  I  have  also  stated  to 
you  the  view  his  Alajesty's  government  has  taken  of 
the  question  of  the  blockade  of  May,  1806,  and  it 
now  only  remains  that  I  urge  afresh  the  injustice  of 
the  United  States'  government  persevering  in  their 
union  with  the  French  system  for  the  purpose  of 
crushing  the  commerce  of  Great-Britain. 

From  every  consideration  which  equity,  good  poli- 
cy or  interest  can  suggest,  there  appears  to  bo  such 
a  call  upon  America  to  give  up  this  system,  whicii 
favors  France,  to  the  injury  of  Great-Britain,  that  I 
cannot,  however  little  satisfactory  your  Communica- 
tions are,  as  yet  abandon  all  hopes  that  even  before 
the  Congress  meet,  a  new  view  may  be  taken  of  th' 
subject  by  the  President,  which  will  lead  to  a  morr 
happy  result. 

I  liave  the  honor  to  be,  with  very  high  considera- 
tion and  respect,  sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  ser- 
vaiit, 

^^       -   AUGUSTUS  J.  FOSTER. 

To  the  hon,  James  Monrop,  jfc. 


i  h 


j.i^  I- 


;v.J 


,..  .jr.. 


•  ffn 


1  i 


52 


HISTORY   OF  THIS    WAR. 

Mr,  Monroe  to  Mr.  Foster. 


!.'.'.'> 


SIR, 


DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE,  July  27t1l,  1811. 


I  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter  of  ye^erday's 
date,  in  time  to  submit  it  to  the  view  of  the  President 
before  he  leftbawn. 

It  was  my  object  to  state  to  you  in  my  letter  of  the 
23d  inst.  that  under  existing  circumstances,  it  was 
impossible  for  the  President  to  ternniinate  the  operation 
of  the  non-importation  law  of  the  2d  of  March  last; 
that  France  having  excepted  the  proposition  made 
by  a  previous  law  equally  to  Great-Britain  and  to 
France,  and  havit^g  revoked  her  Decrees,  violating 
our  neutral  rights,  and  Great-Britain  having  declined 
to  revoke  hers,  it  became  the  duty  of  this  government 
to  fultil  its  engagement,  and  to  declare  the  non-iinpor* 
tation  law  in  torce  against  Great-Britain,     i'- 

This  state  of  affairs  has  not  been  sought  by  the 
United  States.  When  the  proposition,  contained  in 
the  law'of  May  1st,  1810,  was  offered  equally  to  both 
powers,  there  was  cause  to  presume  that  Great-Bri- 
tain would  have  accepted  it,  in  which  event  the  non- 
importation law  would  not  have  operated  against 
her. 

It  is  in  the  power  of  the  British  government  at  this 
time  to  enable  the  President  to  set  the  non-importa- 
tion law  aside,  by  rendering  to  the  United  States  an 
actof  ju'^tice.  If  Great-Britain  will  cease  to  violate 
our  neutral  rights  by  revoking  her  Orders  in  Coun- 
cil, on  which  event  alone  the  President  has  the  pow- 
er, I  am  instructed  to  inform  you  that  he  will,  without 
delay,  exercise  it  by  terminating  the  operation  of  this 
law. 

It  is  presumed  that  the  communications  which  I 
have  had  the  honor  to  n^ake  to  you,  of  the  revocation 
by  France  of  her  Decrees,  so  far  as  they  violated  the 
neutral  rights  of  the  United  States,  and  of  her  con- 
duct since  the  revocation,  will  present  to  your  gov- 
ernment a  different  view  of  the  subject,  from  tliat 


^hich  it  li 
cils  a  con 

(Signed] 

August 

.'ur 

if.Jft'i 

SIR, 

I  have 
26th  of  Ji 
President. 

In  answ 
notice  a  ci 
mineof  th( 
the  proclai 
and  to  the 
yourgover 
act  of  Mar 

My  lette 

Having! 
nient  in  issi 
assigned,  a 
them  after  \ 
Britain,  as 
my  placing 
naturally  pi 
to,  and  the  < 
while  your 
the  United  I 
by  a  just  re, 
had  been  ci 
to  degrades 
sion  by  a  g( 
degradation 
my  reply  to 
volved  the  c 
pies  of  justi 


•  f,;\  N' 


HISTORY   OF  THt:   WAR. 


dH 


which  it  had  before  taken,  and  produce  in  its  coun- 
cils a  correspondent  effect. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c.  '  ?•    '  ;  ,.;.. . 
(Signed)  JAMES  MONROE. 

Augustus  J.  Foster  tlsq.  3fc. 


UV.r-j 


f'-', 


-'  '•'    '   Mr.  Monroe  to  Mr.  Foster.       '<  >' 


SIR, 


//  J;  ii-,vtiv/  ;y,  'hfU  •:><',;  t. 


mt 


I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter  of  the 
26th  of  July,  and  to  submit  it  to  the  view  of  the 
President. 

In  answering  that  letter,  it  is  proper  that  I  should 
notice  a  complaint  that  I  had  omitted  to  reply  in 
mine  of  the  23d  of  July,  to  your  remonstrance  againsi 
the  proclamation  of  the  President,  of  November  last, 
and  to  the  demand  which  you  had  made,  by  order  of 
your  government  of  the  repeal  of  the  non-importation 
act  ot  March  2d,  of  the  present  year. 

My  letter  has  certainly  not  merited  this  imputation. 

Having  shewn  the  injustice  of  the  British  govern<^ 
nlent  in  issuing  the  Orders  in  Council  on  the  pretext 
assigned,  and  its  still  greater  injustice  in  a  Bering  to 
them  after  that  pretext  bad  failed,  a  respect  tor  Great* 
Britain,  as  well  as  for  the  United  States,  prevented 
my  placing  in  the  strong  light  in  which  the  subject 
naturally  presented  itself,  the  remonstrance  alluded 
to,  and  the  extraordinary  demand  founded  on  it,  thai 
while  your  government  accommodated  in  nothing', 
the  United  ^ates  should  relinquish  the  ground,  which 
by  a  just  regard  to  the  public  rights  and  honor,  they 
had  been  compelled  to  take.  Propositions  tending 
to  degrade  a  nation  can  never  be  brought  into  discus- 
sion by  a  government  not  prepared  to  submit  to  the 
degradation.  It  was  for  this  reason  that  I  confined 
my  reply  to  those  passages  in  your  letter,  which  in- 
volved the  claim  of  the  United  States,  on  the  princi- 
ples of  justice,  to  the  revocation  of  the  Orders  in 


!    ,^l 


%f^ 


'H 


I 


Mi 


J  a  lu 


I-  P! 


|H    |(- 


54 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


Council.  Your  demand,  however,  was  neither' un- 
noticed or  unanswered.  In  laying  before  you  the 
complete,  and  as  was  believed,  irresistible  proof  on 
which  the  United  States  expected,  and  called  for  the 
revocation  of  the  Orders  in  Council,  a  very  explicit 
answer  was  supposed  to  be  given  to  that  demand. 

Equally  unfounded  is  your  complaint  that  I  mis- 
understood that  passage  which  claimed,  as  a  condi- 
tion of  the  revocation  of  the  Orders  in  Council, 
that  the  trade  of  Great-Britain  with  the  continent 
should  be  restored  to  the  state  in  which  it  was  before 
the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees  were  issued.  As.this 
pretension  was  novel  and  extraordinary,  it  was  neces- 
sary that  a  distinct  idea  should  be  formed  of  it,  and 
with  that  view,  I  asked  such  an  explanation  as  wpuld 
enable  me  to  form  one. 

In  the  explanation  given,  you  do  not  insist  on  the 
right  to  trade  in  British  property,  with  British  vessels, 
directly  with  your  enemies.  Such  a  claim,  you  ad- 
mit, would  be  preposterous.  But  you  dp  insist  by 
necessary  implication,  that  France  has  no  right  to 
inhibit  the  the  importation  into  her  ports  of  British 
manufactures,  of  the  produce  of  the  British  soil,  when 
the  property  of  neutrals ;  and  that,  until  France  re- 
moves that  inhibition,  the  United  States  are  to  be 
cut  oiF.by  Great-Britain  from  all  trade  whatever,  with 
her  enemies. 

,  On  such  a  pretenision  it  isalniost  impossible  to  rea- 
son. There  is  I  believe,  no  example  of  it  in  the  his- 
tory of  past  wars.  Great-Britain,  the  enemy  of  France 
undertakes  to  regulate  the  trade  of  France ;  nor  is  thai 
all  ;  she  tells  her  that  she  must  trade  m  British  goods. 
If  France  and  Great-Britain  were  at  peace,  this  pre- 
tension would  not  he  set  up,  nor  even  thought  of. 
Has  Great-Britain  Uien  acquired  in  this  respect  by 
war, rights  wluch  she  has  not  in  peace?  And  does 
she  announce  to  neutral  nations,  that  unless  they  con- 
sent to  become  the  instruments  of  this  policy,  their 
commerce  shall  be  annihilated,  and  their  vessels 
shall  be  shut  up  in  their  own  polls  ?. 


Iniighl 

to  Grea».-j 

ther  it  be 

ti?e  Britisl 

Thatth 

eftect  the  < 

to  carry  tl 

the  consei 

Undertake 

all  cases  it 

will  of  the 

Nor  is  i 

ers,  the  tra 

poweris  wli 

the  prolibi 

state - 

it  be  V  iw.) 
able  for  it.  ■ 
and  under^ 
be  said,  is, 
i^imilar  mei 
be  said  to  j 
Britain  tovt 
The  Un 
employmen 
ply  of  *Fran 
niunufactur 
Grent-Britj 
it.     But    t 
supplies  on 
pliance  vviti 
principles  ii 
I)endeMt  nat 
another  po^ 
selves. 

All  that  ( 
oi'.  was  the 
lawful  trad< 
As  soon  as 
our  trade  \\ 


^V' 


.^ktSTORT  OF  THE  WAR. 


ah 


re- 


I might  ask  whether  French'  gbods  are  admited  in- 
to Grea^-Brilain,  even  in  peace,  and  if  they  are,  \rhe» 
ther  it  be  cf  right,  w  by  the  censetit  and  (lohcy  of 
the  British  government  ? 

That  the  property  woald  be  neutralized  does  not 
eftect  the  question.  If  the  United  States  have  no  right 
to  carry  their  own  productions  into  France  without 
the  consent  of  the  French  government,  how  can  they 
Undertake  to  carry  there  those  of  Great>Britain  ?  In 
all  cases  it  must  depend  on  the  interest  and  the 
will  of  the  party. 

Nor  is  it  material  to  what  extent,  or  by  what  pow* 
ers,  the  trade  to  the  continent  is  prohit)ited.  If  the 
poweris  who  prohibit  it,  are  at  war  with  Great  Britain, 
the  pruMbition  is  a  necessary  consequence  of  that 
state.  '  i  neace,  it  is  their  own  act;  and  whetlie:* 
it  be  v  <  i  j'y,  or  compulsive,  they  alone  are  answer- 
able for  it.  If  the  act  be  taken  at  the  instigation 
and  under  the  influence  of  France,  the  most  that  can 
be  said,  is,  that  it  justifies  reprisal  against  them,  by  a 
similar  measure  On  no  principle  whatever  can  it 
be  said  to  give  any  sanction  to  the  conduct  of  Great- 
Britain  towards  neutral  nations. 

The  United  States  cah  have  no  objection  to  the 
employment  of  their  commercial  capital  in  the  sup- 
ply of  France,  and  of  the  continent  generally,  with 
manufactures,  and  to  comprise  in  the  supply  those  of 
Glvat-Britain,  provided  those  powers  will  consent  to 
it.  But  they  cannot  undertake  to  force  such 
supplies  on  France  or  on  any  other  power,  in  com- 
pliance with  the  claim  of  the  British  governmetit,  ou 
principles  incompatible  with  the  rights  of  every  inde- 
pendent nation,  and  they  will  not  demand  in  favor  of 
another  power,  what  they  cannot  claim  for  tliem- 
selves. 

All  that  Great-Britain  could  with  reason  complain 
of,  was  the  inhibition  by  tlie  French  Decrees,  ofthe 
lawful  trade  of  neutrals,  with  the  british  dominions. 
As  soon  as  that  inhibition  ceased,  her  inhibition  of 
our  trade  with  France  oug!)t  in  like  manner  to  have 


H*.    '  I 


!1 


'\^ 

:   !"! 

1 
■ 

t 

,       1 
1 

U^ 

^ 

mt 


56 


BISTOItY  OF  TH£  WAK, 


V 


ceased.  Having  pledged  herself  to  proceed  part 
passu  witb  France,  in  the  revocation  of  tlieirrespective 
acts  violating  neutral  rights  it  has  afforded  just  cause 
of  complaint,  and  even  of  astonishment,  to  the  Unit- 
ed ^tes,;that  the  British  government  should  have 
sanctioned  the  seizure  and  condemnation  of  Ameri- 
can vessels^  und^r  the  Orders  in  Council  after  the  revo- 
cation of  the  French  Decrees  was  announced,  and 
even  in  the  very  moment  when  your  mission,  avowed 
to  be  conciliatory,  was  to  have  its  effect. 

I  will  only  add  that  had  it  appeared  finally,  that 
France  had  failed  to  perform  her  engagements,  it 
might  at  least  have  been  expected,  that  Great-Bri- 
tain would  not  have  molested  such  of  the  vessels  of  the 
United  States  as  might  be  entering  the  ports  of  France, 
on  the  faiih  of  both  governments,  till  that  failure  was 
clearly  proved. 

To  many  insinuations  in  your  letter  I  make  no  re- 
ply, beciiuse  they  sufficientKy  suggest  the  only  one 
that  would  be  proper.  3^ift'>.;  .ii  i;<!  W 

If  it  were  necessary  to  dwell  on  the  impartiality 
which  has  been  observed  by  the  United  States  tow- 
ards the  two  belligerents,  I  might  ask,  whether  if 
Great-Britain  hadi  accepted  the  condition  which  was 
offered  equally  to  her  and  France,  by  the  act  of  May 
1st,  IHIO,  and  France  had  rejected  it,  there  is  cause 
to  doubt  that  the  non-importation  act  would  have  been 
carried  into  effect  against  France  ?  No  such  doubt 
can  possibly  exist  because  in  a  former  instance,  when 
this  government,  trusting  to  a  fulfilment  by  yours  of 
an  arrangement  which  put  an  end  to  a  non-intet.- 
course  with  Great-Britain,  the  non-intercourse  was 
continued  against  France,  who  had  not  then  repealed 
Iier  Decrees  as  it  was  not  doubted  England  had  <ione. 
Has  it  not  been  repeatedly  declared  to  your  govern- 
ment ih'at  if  Great-Britain  would  revoke  her  Orders 
in  Council,  the  President  would  immediately  cause 
the  non. importation  to  cease  ?  You  well  know  that 
the  same  declaration  has  often  been  made  to  yourself, 
iind  that  nothing  more  is  wanting  to.  t^e  r^ipoval  of 


the  exif.ti 

the  tVKi  c 

will  be  r< 

Orders  in 

Bv  the 

the  block 

more  con 

of  the  foil 

be  contini 

Council,  i 

plication  i 

fer  your  i( 

Council  V 

blockade  < 

make  this 

bidckade  y 

Council,  tl 

tUmt  it  won 

tion,  that  a 

niiralty,  al 

cease  by 

withf^i't  a 

eHect. 

It  is  not 
relative  to 
terminatet 
ject  for  i:o 
It  is  en: 
antly  sho\ 
consistent 
the  law  of 
now  expoi 
sense  of  y* 
and  this  ch 
which  you 
If you  M 
strictiy,  iii 
the  Seine 
tion  in  it  i 
between'! 


I1I9TORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


67 


if 


the  existing  obstructions  to  the  commerce  between 
the  two  countries,  than  a  satisfactory  assurance,  which 
will  be  received  with  pleasure  from  yourself,  thatthf 
Orders  in  Ctt«incil  are  at  an  end. 

By  the  renieik  in  ycur  letter  of  the  3d  of  July,  that 
the  blockade  of  May,  A806,  had  been  included  in  the 
more  comprehbusive  system  of  the  Orders  in  Council 
of  the  following  year,  and  that,  if  that  blockade  Khould 
be  continued  in  force  atler  die  repeal  of  the  Orders  in 
Council,  it  would  be  ii;  consequence  of  the  special  ap- 
plication of  a  sufficient  naval  force,  I  could  not  hut  in- 
fer your  idea  to  be,  that  the  repesil  of  the  Orders  in 
Council  would  necessarily  involve  the  repeal  of  the 
blot'kade  of  JNIay.  I  was  the  more  readily  induced  to 
make  this  inference,  from  the  consideration  that  if  the 
bldckade  was  not  revoked  by  the  repeal  of  the  Orders  in 
Council,  there  would  be  no  necessity  for  giving  notice 
timtit  would  be  continued ;  as  by  the  further  considerar 
tioM,  that  according  to  the  decision  of  your  court  of  ad- 
miralty, a  blockade  instituted  by  proclam^ition  doesnot 
cease  by  the  removal  of  tlie  force  applied  to  it,  nor 
withri't  a  formal  notice  by  the  government  to  that 
eftect. 

It  is  not,  however,  wished  to  discuss  any  question 
relative  to  the  mode  by  which  that  blockade  may  bo. 
terminated..  .  Its  actual  termination  is  the  material  ob- 
ject for  consideration. 

It  is  easy  to  shew,  and  it  has  already  been  abund- 
antly shown,  that  the  blockade  of  May,  18G6,  is  in- 
consistent on  any  view  that  may  be  taken  of  it  with 
the  law  of  nations.  .  It  is  also  easy  to  show  that,  as 
now  expounded,  it  was  equally  inconsistent  with  tlie 
sense  of  your  government,  wbeii  the  order  was  issued ; 
and  this  change  is  a  sufficient  reply  to  the  remarks 
which  you  have  applied  to  me  personally. 

If  you  will  examine  the  order,  you  will  find  that  it  is 
strirtiy,  little  more  than  a  blockado  of  the  coast  from 
the  Seine  to  Ostend.  There  is  an  express  reserva- 
tion in  it  in  favor  of  neutrals  to  any  part  of  the  coast 
belM'een' Brest  and  the  .Seine,  and  between  Ostend 
8 


» 


mw 


?  L 


m 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR.' 


and  the  Elbe.  Neutral  powers  are  permitted  by  it  td 
take  from  their  own  ports  every  kind  of  produce 
without  distinction  as  to  its  orig'in  ;  and  to  carry  it  to 
the  continent  under  that  limitation,  and  with  the  ex> 
'ception  only  of  coitlraband  of  war,  and  enemy's  prop- 
erty, and  to  bring  thence  to  their  own  ports  in  return, 
whatever  articles  they  think  fit.  Why  were  contra- 
band of  war  and  enemy's  property  excepted,  if  a 
commerce  even  in  those  aiiiclts  would  not  otherwise 
liave  been  permitted  under  the  reservation  ?  No  or- 
der was  necessary  to  subject  them  to  seizure.  They 
were  liable  to  it  ticcording  to  the  K'lW  of  nations,  as 
asserteit  by  Great-Britain. 

Why  then  did  the  British  goviernment  institute  a 
blockade  which  with  respect  to  neutrals  was  not  rig- 
orous as  to  the  greater  part  of  the  coast  comprised  in 
it  ?  If  you  will  look  to  the  state  of  things  which  then 
existed  between  the  United  States  and  Great-Britain, 
you  will  find  the  answer.  A  controversy  had  taken 
place  between  our  governments  on  a  diflierent  topic, 
which  was  still  pending.  The  British  government 
had  interfered  wiih  the  trade  between  France  and  her 
allies  in  the  produce  of  their  colonies.  The  just 
claim  of  the  United  States  was  then  a  subject  of  ne- 
gotiation ;  and  your  government  professing  its  wil- 
lingness to  make  a  satisfactory  arrangement  of  it,  is- 
sued the  Older  which  allowed  the  trade,  without 
•making  any  concession  as  to  the  principle,  reserving 
that  for  adjustment  by  treaty.  It  was  in  this  light  that 
I  viewed,  and  in  this  sense  that  I  represented  that  or- 
der t6  my  government;  and  in  no  other  did  I  make 
any  comment  on  it. 

When  you  reflect  that  this  order  by  allowing  the  trade 
of  neutrals,  in  colonial  productions,  to  all  that  portion 
of  the  coast  which  was  not  vigorously  blockaded,  af- 
forded to  the  United  Stales  an  accommodation  in  a 
principal  point  then  at  issue  between  our  governments, 
and  ot  which  their  citizens  extensively  availed  them- 
selves that  that  trade  and  the  question  of  blockade, 
and  every  other  question  in  which  the  United  btates 


and  Great 

of  amical 

cause  wh 

United  Si 

make  a  fo 

pealed  to 

urged  my : 

or  at  least 

tion  of  the 

due  to  my 

action.     \ 

or  to  treat 

plaint  was 

\y  commui 

want  of  sii 

ure  was  ap 

made.    In 

turally  doe 

and  illustri 

which  he  ii 

I  shall  be 

respect  to ! 

ivhich  I  ha 

The  Un 

the  blocka< 

ly  can  be  i 

ative  to  the 

such  an  ini 

It  is  seer 

the  applica 

give  a  bioc 

that  chara< 

be  applied. 

cation  of  ai 

and  aotUiiU 

1806,  it  w< 

repeal  of  tl 

abledifficu 

ry  would  b< 

to  include  t 


\m^ 


I 


HISTORY   OL    THi:   >VAU. 


^U 


and  Great-Britain  were  interested,  \vere  then  in  a  traiii 
of  amicable  negotiation,  you  will  I  think,  me  tho 
cause  why  the  mini.<)ter  who  then  represented  the 
United  States  with  the  British  government  did  not 
make  a  formal  complaint  against  it.  You  have  ap-i 
pealed  to  me  who  happen  c\  to  be  that  minister,  and 
urged  my  silence  as  an  evidence  of  my  approbation  of, 
or  at  least  acquiesce  in  the  blockade. — An  explana^^ 
tion  of  the  cause  of  that  supposed  silence  is  uot  lessi^ 
due  to  myself,  than  to  the  true  character  of  the  trans- 
action. With  the  minister  with  whom  I  l^ad  the  hon- 
or to  treat,  I  may  ^.dd,  that  ap  official  formal  pom- 
plaint  was  not  likely  to  be  resorted  to,  because  friend- 
ly communications  were  invited  and  prefered.  The 
want  of  such  a  document  is  no  proof  that  the  meas- 
ure was  approved  by  me,  pr  that  uo  Complaint  was 
made.  In  recalling  to  ray  mind  as  this  incident  na- 
turally does,  the  manly  character  of  that  distinguished 
and  illustrious  statesmen,  and  the  confidence  with 
which  he  inspired  all  those  with  whom  he  had  to  treat, 
I  shall  be  permitted  to  express  as  a  slight  tribute  of 
respect  to  his  memory,  the  very  high  consideration  in 
ivhich  I  have  always  held  his  great  talents  and  virtqes. 

The  (Jnited  States  have  not,  nor  can  they  .approve 
the  blockade  of  an  extensive  coast.  Nothing  certain- 
ly can  be  infered  from  any  thing  that  has  passed  reU 
ative  to  the  blockade  of  May,  1806,  to  counteniuice 
such  an  inference.  ai 

It  is  seen  with  satisfaction  that  you  still  admit  that 
the  application  of  an  adequate  force  is  necessary  to 
give  a  blockade  a  legal  character,  and  that  it  will  lose 
that  character  whenever  that  adequate  force  <'eases  to 
be  applied.  As  it  catmot  be  alledged  that  the  appli- 
cation of  any  such  adequate  force  has  been  continuedi 
and  aotUiilly  exists  in  the  case  of  the  blockade  o(  May, 
1806,  it  would  seem  to  be  s|  fair  inference  that  the 
repeal  of  the  Orders  in  Council  will  leave  no  insuperr 
able  difficulty  with  respect  to  it.  To  suppose  the  contra- 
ry would  be  to  suppose  that  the  Orders  in  Council  said 
lo  iniQludethat  blockade,  resting  theniselves  Quapria* 


i  \ 


1  .1 


■I  I  n 


il 


^  HISTORY  or  THE   WAR. 

ciple  of  retaliation  only,  and  not  snstainetl  by  the  afv- 
plication  of  an  adequate  force,  woidd  have  the  eftect 
of  sustaining  a  blockade  admitted  to  require  the  ap« 
plication  of  an  adequate  force,  until  Kuch  adequate 
force  should  actually  take  the  place  of  the  Orders  in 
Council.      Whenever  any  blockade  iH  instituted,  it 
w'\[\  be  a  subject  for  consideration,  and  if  the  l)lock<< 
ade  be  in  confoimity  to  the  law  of  nations,  there  wiU 
be  no  disposition  in  this  government  to  contest  it. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  8cc. 
(Signed)  JAMES  MONRQE;. 

':  4?'^V»'«*«^'  Foster,  Esq.i^c.       •'vi  ,*si 


•iw 


f,f<'r  .'-^ 


.( \>> 


;-'  1 V/ 


•,."« 


•>fr/H-J  ': 


;•?/ 


Mr.  Foster  to  Mr,  il/owroc.  't^-w-  w  »  »;j 

WASHiNGTOX,  October  22, 1811.   • 
blK, 

I  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter  of  the  17th 
inst.  together  with  its  three  enclosures,  on  the  road 
between  Baltimore  and  this  city  ;  1  had  that  of  re-r 
ceiving  at  the  same  time,  your  letter  dated  October  1, 
in  answer  to  mine  of  the  26th  of  last  July. 

Not  having  had  any  despatches  from  his  Majesty's 
Government  lately,  I  have  not  as  yet  received  the  copy 
of  the  recent  communication  from  Paris  in  regard  to 
rtie  supposed  repeal  of  the  French  Decrees  which  the 
cbarge'd'aifairs  of  the  United  States  at  London,  has 
intimated  to  you  that  he  understood  the  Marquis 
Wellesley  intended  to  transmit  to  me,  and  which  I 
conclude  is  the  san^e  as  that  contained  in  the  letter  of 
Mr.  Russell,  the  American  Charge  d*  affairs  in 
France.  I  am  however  in  daily  expectation  of  the 
;^rrival  of  his  Majesty's  packet  boat,  when  it  will  in 
f  probability  reatrh  me,  and  when  if  I  should  receive 
-.>..!y  fresh  instructions  in  consequence  I  will  not  fail 
immediately  to  acquaint  you.  lu  the  meanwhile, 
however,  I  beg  you  will  permit  me  to  make  some  rer 
marks  in  reply  to  your  letter  of  October  1,  lining  ex- 


tremely  an 
jeein  to  ha 
made  fur  I 
present  ye 

It  is,  I  t 
I  find  you 
degree  pre 
Such  an  id 
ty's  Gover 
friendly  se 
ed  States  ] 
the  channc 
had  such  a 
mand  mad 
say  that  it 
to  his  Maj 
the  chief  o 
Anierica  a 
hope^tbat  I 
fore  see  th 
former  foo 
nothing  a{ 
pectation, 
the  disposi 
her  neutra 
view.  I  < 
that  your  < 
to  put  any 
my  argur 
shewing  tl 
I  cannot  c 
in  the  coi 
only  owin 
of  the  Fre 
pears  to  hi 
opinion  e^ 
which  un< 
surely  a  v 

From  t 
roy  gover 


Iff  I   .j 


HISTORY  OF  THi:  WAR.  01, 

tremely  anxious  to  do  away  the  impression  which  yoi\ 
jieein  to  have  received  relative  to  the  demand  I  had 
made  fur  the  repeal  of  the  non-importation  act  of  the 
present  year. 

It  is,  1  assure  you,  sir,  with  very  great  regret  that 
I  find  you  consider  thai  demand  as  involving  in  any, 
degree  propositions  tending  to  degrade  your  nation. 
Such  an  idea  certainly  never  existed  with  his  Majes- 
ty's Governmeut,  oor  would  it  be  compatible  with  thi) 
Iriendly  sentiments  entertained  by  them,  for  the  Unit^ 
ed  State9  ;  neither  could  I  have  suffered  my»eUto  be 
the  channel  of  confeying  a  demand  which  I  thought 
had  such  a  tendency. — However  you  view  the  de- 
mand made  on  the  part  of  Great-Britain,  I  can  safely 
say  that  it  was  made  in  consequence  of  its  appearing 
to  his  Majesty's  Government  on  strung  ■  evidence  that 
the  chief  of  the  French  nation  bad  really  deceived 
America  as  to  the  repeal  of  hi»  Decrees  and  in  the 
hope^sthat  thelJnitedStaies*  Government  would  th^re.* 
fore  see  the  justice  of  replacing  this  country. on  its 
former  footing  of  amicable  relatipns  with  £<tglan4., 
nothing  appearing  to  be  more  natural  than  such  an  ex- 
pectation, which  seemed  a  necessary  consequence  q( 
the  disposition  expressed  by  America  to  maintain 
her  neutrality*  and  desirable  in  every  other  point  of 
view.  I  cannot  indeed  bring  myself  to  think,  sir, 
that  your  candor  would  allow  you,  on  a  consideration, 
to  put  any  other  construction  on  the  matter,  and  had 
my  arguments  had  sufficient  weight  with  you  in 
shewing  that  the  French  Decrees  were  still  in  force, 
I  cannot  doubt  but  you  would  have  agreed  with  me 
in  the  conclusion  I  drew-^it  would  seem  therefore 
only  owing  to  your  not  viewing  the  deceitful  conduct 
of  the  French  government  in  the  same  light  that  it  ap- 
pears to  his  Majesty's  government,  that  a  difference  of 
opinion  exists  between  us  as  to  the  proposal  I  made, 
which  under  the  conviction  entertained  by  them  was, 
tiurely  a  very  just  and  natural  one. 

From  the  earnest  desire  of  vindicating  myself  and 
roy  govertvnent  froni  tlie  charge  of  making  any  de- 


( I 


r 


i  I 


I  -' 


UlSTOBY  OF  THE  WAR. 


II 


grading  or  unjust  demands  on  that  of  America,  I 
have  taken  the  liberty  to  trouble  you  so  far  and  I  will 
now  proceed  to  shew  why  I  thoupfht  you  had  misun- 
derstuod  the  passage  of  my  letter  which  related  to  the 
extent  in  which  the  repeal  of  the  French  Decrees  was 
required  by  Great-Britain.  In  the  explanation  which 
you  desired  on  this  point  I  gave  you  that  which  the 
Marquis  Wellesley  gave  to  Mr.  Pinkney  in  answer 
to  his  letter  of  August  25,  1810,  and  I  beg  to  refer 
you  to  the  message  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States  on  the  opening  of  Congress  in  Deceinber,  1810, 
fur  a  proof  that  the  demand  of  Qreat-Britain  in  thd 
extent  in  which  I  have  stated  it  was  known  to  your 
S^overnnient  several  months  ago— how  was  I  there- 
lore  to  suppose  in  the  term  innovations,  as  <ipplied  to 
the  explanation  given  by  me,  that  you  could  mean 
otherwise  than  some  really  new  pretension  on  the 
part  of  Great-Britain  such  as  that  France  should  suf- 
I'er  British  property  to  be  cariied  into  her  ports  for 
tlie  purposes  of  trade  ?  If  th^  warmth  I  was  betrayed 
into  in  endeavoring  to  refute  a  supposed  imputation 
of  this  sort  gave  any  oftence,  I  sincerely  regret  it,  and 
I  will  beg  permission  here  to  say,  sir,  that  if  uncon-r 
sciously  1  have  by  any  of  my  remarks  led  you  to  supt 
pose  they  conveyed  any  improper  insinuations,  as  one 
paragraph  of  your  letter  would  appear  to  imply,  I  am 
most  unfeigned ly  sorry  for  it,  as  I  entertain  the  high<^ 
est  respect  for  you  personally  and  for  your  govern-f 
ment,  and  could  only  have  meant  what  I  wrote  in  the 
way  of  argument,  or  for  the  purpose  of  contrasting  the 
proceedings  of  France  in  her  conduct  towards  the 
United  States  with  that  of  Great-Britain. 

In  reverting  to  the  extraordinary  and  unprecedent- 
ed situation  of  things  that  has  arisen  out  of  the  war 
in  Europe  it  would  seem  needless  to  repeat  the  evi> 
dence  there  is  that  the  lav^ss  and  unbounded  ambi<^ 
tion  of  the  ruler  of  Franr^  has  been  the  origin  of  it, 
and  it  cannot  be  a  secret  to  the  United  States'  govern- 
ment that  his  plan  has  been  and  avowedly  continues 
to  be,  not  to  scruple  at  the  violation  of  any  law,  pro<* 


vided  he  c 
er  of  Eng 
Great-Briti 
his  having 
which  he  tl 
feet?  You 
and  Milan 
war  and  tti 
ot  France, 
necessary  t 
be  expecte 
everything 
proof on  a ] 
very  desira 
free  and  un 
the  essentia 
America  ai 
of  Great-B 
she  hopes  \ 
Britain,  ant 
safety  give 
adopted  by 
cessation  b; 
measures. 

I  confess, 
on  the  part 
established 
ed  Europe, 
the  French 
draw  their  o 
instead  of  a 
inferred,  tl 
^uage  have 
ing  been  cl 
ment,  why 
plicit. 

While,  h 
made  on  th( 
of  the  Deer 
tral  ships  ha 


if 


HI8T0IIY  Of  Tl»  WAK 


vided  he  can  thereb}^  OTcrthrow  the  maritime  pow- 
er of  England.  Is  it  not  therefore  reasonable  in 
Great-Britain  to  distrust  an  ambiguous  declaral'on  of 
his  having-  suddenly  given  up  any  part  of  a  system 
which  he  thought  calculated  to  produce  such  an  ef* 
feet  ?  You  say  however  that  the  Decrees  of  Berlin 
and  Milan  are  revoked.  America  as  not  being  at 
war  and  therefoi^  not  seeing  so  clearly  into  the  views 
ot  France,  may  he  less  scrupulous  as  to  the  evidence 
necessary  to  prove  the  fact — but  sir»  it  surely  cannot 
be  expected  tliat  Great-Britain,  who  is  contending  for 
everything  that  is  dear  to  her,  should  not  require  more 
proof  on  a  point  so  material  to  her.  It  is  undoubtly  a 
very  desirable  thing  for  the  United  States  to  have  a 
free  and  unrestricted  trade  with  both  belligerents,  but 
the  essential  security  and  most  important  interests  of 
America  are  not  involved  in  the  question  as  are  those 
of  Great-Britain.  France  has  levelled  a  blow  which 
she  hopes  will  prove  deadly  to  the  resources  of  Great- 
Britain,  and  before  the  British  government  can  with 
safety  give  up  the  measures  of  defence  in  consequence 
adopted  by  them,  very  strong  proof  must  exist  of  the 
cessation  by  France  of  hor  novel  and  unprecedented 
measures. 

I  confess,  sir  with  the  sincerest  disposition  to  discover 
on  the  part  of  the  ruler  of  France  a  return  to  the  long- 
established  practice  of  warfare  as  exercised  in  civiliz- 
ed Europe,  I  have  been  unable  to  succeed ;  and  if 
the  French  government  had  really  meant  to  with- 
drawtheir  obnoxious  Decrees,  it  is  inconceivable  why, 
instead  of  allowing  their  intensions  to  be  guessed  at  or 
infei-red,  they  should  not  openly  and  in  plain  lan- 
guage have  declared  so  ;  the  Decrees  themselves  hav- 
ing been  clearly  enough  announced  on  their  enact- 
ment, why  should  not  their  revocation  be  equally  ex- 
plicit. 

While,  however,  numerous  declarations  have  been 
made  on  the  part  of  France  of  tlu^  continued  existence, 
of  the  Decrees  and  captures  made  under  them  of  neu- 
tral ships  have  occm'red,a  t'tw  of  the  American  vesseK- 


.  I 


H 


ki 


ft  HISTORY  OF.TIfE  WAR. 

Heized  since  Novenilier  1 ,  have  been  reslored,  and  th« 
i'oregoingi  a  very  small. part  of  his  plunder,  is  deMired 
by  Bonaparte  to  be  considered  us  a  proof  of  the  sin- 
cerity of  his  revocation  by  Aniericn  ;  Jut  it  roust  be 
recollected  that  besides  the  object  of  ruininff  the  Bri* 
tish  resources  by  his  own  unauthorised  regulations,  h«i 
hns  also  that  of  endeavoring-  to  obtoin  the  aid  of  the 
United  States  for  the  some  purpose,  and  herein  you 
will,  as  I  had  the  honor  to  reniarK  in  a  former  lettcr^^ 
be  able  to  observe  the  cause  of  the  apparently  contra*>- 
dictory  language  held  both  by  bimfcelf  nnd  his  uiin- 
isters. 

I  shall  be  extremely  happy,  ttr-receive  from  yon, 
!iir,  the  infoimation  thiit  in  a  frank  and  unuuibigiious 
manner  the  chief  of  the  French  government  hiid  re- 
voked his  Decrees.  Why  he  should  not  do  so  is  in- 
explicable if  he  means  to  revert  to  the  ordinary  rules 
<)f  \t ar,  but  while  he  exercises  such  despotic  sway 
wherever  his  influence  extends,  to  ruin  the  resources 
of  England,  it  cannot  be  expected  that  Great-Britain 
shall  not  use  the  means  she  jiossessesfor  the  purpose  of 
making  him  feel  the  pressure  of  his  own  system. 
There  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  ere  long  the  ef- 
fects on  the  enemies  of  Great-Britain  will  be  such  as 
irresistibly  to  produce  a  change  which  will  place  com- 
merce on  its  former  basis.  In  the  mean  time,  sir,  I 
hope  you  will  not  think  it  extraordinary  if  1  should 
contend  that  the  seizure  of  American  ships  by  France, 
since  November  1,  nnd  the  positive  and  unqualified 
declarations  of  the  French  government  are  stronger 
proofs  of  the  coittinued  existence  of  the  French  i)e~ 
crees  and  the  bad  faith  of  the  ruler  of  France,  than  the 
restoration  of  five  or  six  vessels,  too  palpably  given 
up  for  fallacious  purposes  or  in  testimony  of  his  satis- 
faction  at  the  attitude  taken  by  America,  isa|  roof  of 
their  revocation,  or  of  his  return  to  the  principles  of 
justice.  .rf-  '  i  *'>n 

1  will  only  repeat,  sir,  in  answer  to  your  observa- 
tions, on  the  late  condemnation  of  the  ships  taken  uiw 
dei*  his  Majesty's  Orders  in  Council,  what  I   have 


alrvtdy  hu 

which  toi 

convequen 

governme 

revoked*  i 

ofitf  l>ein 

apoD  its  a| 

would  bav 

the  Britisli 

before  th< 

there  is  no 

ernment  i 

wards  Gr 

France,  a 

ernment  w 

In  reply 

GreatrBrit 

Decrees^  I 

made  by  £ 

tablished  h 

in  £urope. 

Milan  decl 

has  openly 

riiin  the  rei 

on  the  righ 

pose.     If  tl 

of  unprecei 

of  £nglan<l 

pected  that 

Jishment  of 

tion,  and  4 

French  fro 

is  untawfull 

Having 

the  questioi 

cording  to  t 

the  desire  c 

blockade  ac 

advert  to  it 

the  liberty  < 


|M 


StnTORT  OV  TBS  WAB.  #§ 

alrt«dy  had  the  honor  lo  ittto  to  you,  that  the  delay 
which  took  place  in  their  condemnation  wna  not  m 
connequ^nce  of  any  doubt  exittinf  in  hie  Mojesty'a 
government,  as  to  whether  the  French  Decreet  wera 
revoked*  as  you  seem  to  imagine,  but  in  con»equ«nc« 
of  its  l>eing  thought  that  the  American  goferitmentf 
upon  its  appearing  that  tltey  were  deceived  by  Fraiictb 
would  have  ceased  their  injurious  measures  againsl 
the  firitish  commerce.  A  considerable  time  elapsed 
before  the  decision  took  place  on  those  ships,  i-.jd 
there  is  no  doubt,  but  that  had  tlie  United  Slates'  gov- 
ernment not  persisted  in  the  unfriendly  attitude  to- 
wards Great-britain  on  discovering  the  ill  faith  c*' 
France,  a  spirit  of  conciliation  in  his  Majesty's  gov- 
ernment would  have  caused  their  release. 

In  reply  to  your  observations  on  the  pretensions  of 
GreatrBritain  relative  to  tlie  revocation  of  the  French 
Decrees^, !  beg  to  repeat  that  the  sum  of  the  demand 
made  by  England  is,  that  France  should  follow  the  es- 
tablished laws  of  warfare  as  practised  in  former  wars 
in  Europe.  Her  ruler  by  his  Decrees  of  Berlin  and 
Milan  declared  himself  no  longer  bound  by  them ;  he 
has  openly  renounced  them  in  his  violent  efforts  to 
imin  the  resources  of  Great«>Britain,  and  has  trampled 
on  the  rights  of  independent  nations  to  effect  his  pur- 
pose. Jf  the  French  government  make  use  of  meanH 
of  unprecedented  violence  to  prevent  the  intercourse 
of  England  with  unofiending  neutrals,  can  it  be  ex- 
pected that  England  should  tamely  suffer  th^  ^^'i,-h* 
lishment  of  such  a  novel  system  of  war  without  reialia- 
tion,  and  endeavoring,  in  her  turr  to  prevent  the 
French  from  enjoying  the  advantages  of  vihich  she 
is  unlawfully  deprived  P 

Having  explained  alreody  the  situation  in  which 
the  question  of  the  blockade  of  May,  1806,  rests,  ac- 
cording to  the  views  of  his  Majesty's  government,  and 
tht?  desire  of  Great-Britain  to  conduct  her  system  of 
blockade  according  to  the  laws  of  nations,  I  will  only 
advert  to  it  on  th  In  occasion  for  the  purpose  of  taking- 
the  liberty  of  acknowledging  to  you  the  very  great 
9 


I  ; 


11 


V-'i 


H:,:il 


I  ;  , 


.1  !• 


ii 


^ 


.  HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


plensurel  received  from  the  highly  honorable  mark 
of  respect  which  you  have  taken  the  occasion  to  ex- 
press for  the  illustrious  statesman  from  >vhose  counsels 
that  measure  emanated. 

1  need  not  repeat  to  you»  sir,  what  sincere  satisfac- 
tion it  would  give  me,  if  without  the  sacriiice  of  the 
essential  rights  and  interests  of  Great-Britain  all  the 
points  in  discussion  between  our  two  countries  could 
be  finally  adjusted. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  Gonsidera.- 
tion  and  respect,  sir,  yours, 

AUG.  J.  FOSTER. 
To  the  hon.  James  Monroct  Sfc. 

■T  (»■»;  y '  >;  ,  •■j.nii  I 


Adjustment  of  the  affair  of  the  Ghesa> 

PEAKE  AND   THE  LeOPARD. 


i,  ■^. 


; ,  >  y. 


MESSAGE. 


To  tlte  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the 

United  aUates, 

I  communicat'  d  Congress  copies  of  a  corraspond- 
ence  between  the  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister 
Plenipotentiary  of  Great-Britain  and  the  Secretarx'  of 
Slate,  relative  to  the  aggression  committed  by  a  Brit- 
ish Ship  of  war  on  the  United  States  Frigate  Chesa- 
peake, by  which  it  will  be  seen  that  the  subject  of  dif- 
ference betwr  en  the  two  countries,  is  terminated  by 
an  offer  of  reparation  which  has  been  acceded  to. 

JAMES  MADISON. 

Washingtonj  November  13, 18H.  -'i  ;r  ji   - 


V;.  ••■ 

.;    I, .-.I 

,'i   '  ;    i' 

,<»  ?  y^l^  -  • 

-.r/,;  r.i 

-./    s'-i    - 

■h\^ 


I      its.    .•>! 


A,. 


sia,:dT. 

Iha( 

came  to  tl 

his  Royal 

and  on  the 

proceedim 

which   ha 

United  St 

peake  Frij 

with  the  n< 

pending  tt 

quence  of 

whatever  \ 

clear  up  tli 

ened  so  ms 

between  oi 

the  month 

Ship  Presi 

when  everj 

ment  seem 

outrage  hf 

war  by  an 

A  Court 

in  your  let 

by  order  of 

conduct  of 

ry  to  furlhe 

asked  in  th 

subsisting 

honor  to  aci 

the  truest  s 

terras  of  re 

commande( 

ernment,  an 

convenienc< 


'J 


\^) 


/i'A>,- 


HISTORY  OF  THE   WAR. 

Mr.  Foster  to  Mr.  Monroe, 


67 


"l.'K  ■j,\ 


SIR, 


iW' 


Washington,  October  30, 181 1 . 


I  had  already  the  honor  to  mention  to  you  that  t 
came  to  this  country  furnished  with  instructions  from 
his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent,  in  the  name 
and  on  the  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  for  the  purpose  of 
proceeding  to  a  final  adjustment  of  the  differences 
which  have  arisen  between  Great-Britain  and  the 
United  States  of  America  in  the  affair  of  the  Chesa- 
peake Frigate;  and  I  hadalso  thatof  acquaintingyou 
with  the  necessity  under  which  I  found  myself  of  sus- 
pending the  execution  of  those  instructions  in  conse- 
quence of  my  not  having  perceived  that  any  steps 
whatever  were  taken  by  the  American  government  to 
clear  up  the  circumstances  of  an  event  whicb  threat- 
ened so  materially  to  interrupt  the  harmony  subsisting 
between  our  two  countries,  as  that  which  occurred  in 
the  month  of  last  May,  between  the  United  States' 
Ship  President,  and  his  Majesty's  Ship  Little  Belt, 
when  every  evidence  before  his  Majesty's  govern- 
ment seemed  to  shew  that  a  most  evident  and  wanton 
outrage  had  been  committed  on  a  British  Ship  of 
war  by  an  American  Commodore. 

A  Court  of  Enquiry  however,  as  you  informed  me 
in  your  letter  of  the  11th  inst.  has  since  been  held 
by  order  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  on  the 
conduct  of  Commodore  Rodgers,  and  this  prelimina- 
ry to  further  discussion  on  the  subject  being  all  that  I 
asked  in  the  first  instance  as  due  to  the  friendship 
subsisting  between  the  two  States,  I  have  now  the 
honor  to  acquaint  vuu  that  I  am  ready  to  proceed  in 
the  truest  spirit  of  conciliation  to  lay  before  you  the 
terms  of  reparation  which  his  Royal  Highness  has 
commanded  me  to  propose  to  the  United  States'  gov- 
ernment, and  only  wait  to  know  when  it  will  suit  your 
convenience  to  enter  upon  the  discussion. 


\     \ 


\  ^^^ 


I'  i 


I     I 


I 


'  h 


'll 


'% 


H 


HISTORY  OF  THIS  WAR. 


I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  considera- 
tion and  respect,  sir,  your  most  obedient  hunable  ser^ 
vant, 

AUG.  J,  FOSTER. 
The  h<m.  James  Monroe,*Jkii. 


di    .'■ 


*it        '.H     >     !i>,      \i 


Mr.  Monroe  ta  Mr.  Foster^     ,<  ; 

Df^FARTMBNT  ow  Statb,  Oct  31*  1$U< 
SIR,  .1 

1  have  j«8t  bad  the  bcnor  tio  receive  yoqr  letter 
of  the  30tb  of  this  month. 

I  am  glad  to  find  that  the  commanication  which  1< 
had  the  honor  to  make  to  you  on  the  1 1th  inst.  relative 
to  the  Court  of  Enquiry,  which  was  the  subject  of  it,' 
is  viewed  by  you  in  the  ^vorable  light  which  yoo; 
bave  stated. 

Although  I  regret  that  t&e  proposition  which  yoin 
MOW  make  in  consequeiice  of  that  communication,  has; 
bedn  delayed  to  the  present  moment,  I  am  ready 
tO'  receive  the  ^rms  of  it  whenever  you  tnay 
think  proper  to  eo«HUiini<»ite  them.  Permit  me  tO' 
add,  that  the  pleasure  of  finding  them  satisfactory  wiU 
be  dqly  augmented,  ifthev  should  be  introductory  to 
a^femovalof  ALL  the  diflerences  depending  between 
«iir  two  countries,  tb^faope  of  which  is  so  little  en- 
court^ed  by  your  past  correspondence.  A  prospect 
of  such  a  result,  will  be  embraced,  on  my  part,  with  tt 
$pirit  pf  conciliation!  equal  to  ^hat  wl^icb  ha^  been  ex- 
jpressed  by  you.  ^  ' 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c, 
(Signed)  JAMES  MONROJI. 

AugustHs  J,  Foster,  E»q.  SCc, 


■  •>' 


i':r 


4      -i-f- 


r 


'li    !  I 


KfitORY  M  tub  WAH.  6d 

.- >w '   .    Mr,  fostet  to  Mt,  Mmtwf.   '   >   ■  •  ^^ 

WASHiNGtdK,  Kw.  Irt,  1811. 

SfH,  ■ -■•■'^^^■^^^'' 

In  pur»<latic(ft  Of  th^  Orders  whidh  I  hitve  r^c^ived 
from  his  Royal  Highness,  the  Prince  Regent,  in  the 
name  and  on  the  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  for  the  pur> 
pose  of  proceeding  to  a  final  adjustment  of  the  differ^ 
ences  which  have  arisen  between  Great-Britain  and 
the  United  States,  in  the  affair  of  the  Chesapeake 
Frigate,  I  have  the  honor  to  accfuftint  you — First,  that 
I  am  instructed  to  repeat  to  the  American  govern- 
ment the  p^oiApt  disavowal  ittade  by  his  Majesty, 
(and  recited  in  Mr.  Erskine's  note  of  April  17,  18(^^ 
lo  Mr.  Smith,)  on  beinj^  apprised  of  the  unauthorised 
act  of  thci  officer  in  <iomniilnd  of  his  naval  forces  ori 
tile  co^t  of  America,  whose  r^dall  from  an  highly 
impdrtant  «lnd  honorable  Cdnimand  immediately  6n^ 
tned  as  a  Mark  of  his  Majesty *s  disapprobation. 

Secondly,  that  I  am  aiith^^rised  to  offer,  in  addi<« 
ii6n  to  tliat  disavowal,  6n  th^  part  of  his  Royal  Higb* 
Ikess,  the  itn mediate  restoration,  as  far  as  circUiiistaiif 
ees  will  admit,  <kf  the  men  who  in  consequence  of 
Admiral  Berkley's  orders,  w^re  forcibly  taken  cMt  of 
the  Chesafjeaket  to  the  vessel  from  which  they  wer6 
taken ;  or  if  that  ship  should  be  no  longer  in  comiriis' 
flion,  to  such  sea-port  of  thd  United  States  as  the 
AmerfcHn  government  may  nsraae  for  the  pofrpose. 

Thirdly,  that  I  am  also  authorised  to  offer  to  the 
American  government  a  suitable  pecuniary  prdvisioti 
f^ir  the  sufferers  in  consequence  of  the  attack  6n  the 
C^ie!4a()eake,  including  the  families  of  those  seiamen: 
who  unfortunately  fell  in  action,  aiid  of  the  wounded 
survivors. 

These'  honorable  propositions,  1  can  assure  you, 
sir,  are  ug  ide  with  the  sincere  desire  that  they  may 
prove  satisfactory  to  the  government  of  the  United 
litates,  aid  [trust  they  will  meet  with  that  amicable 
reception  which  their  conciliatory  nature  entitles 
them  to.    I  need  scarcely  add  how  cordially  I  join 


i  I 


;  11 


I    t 


7b 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


-with  you  in  the  wish  that  they  mi^ht  prove  introdr  - 
tory  to  a  removal  of  all  the  difFereaces  depending  be- 
tween our  two  countries. 

I  have  1^    honor  to  be,  with  sentiments  of  the  high- 
est cons^d^raHon  and  respect,  sir,  voura,  &c. 

AUGUSTUS  J.  FOSTER. 

To  the  /ton.  James  Monroe,  S;c. 


w'! 


'  it*}'     — — 


Mr,  Monroe  to  Mr.  Fo^ster.^ 


i-').iii' 


/"j-i.^  i-.'I 


/  Washington,  Nov.  12, 1811. 

SIR, 

I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter  of  the 
1st  November,  and  to  lay  it  before  the  President. 

It  is  mach  to  be  regretted  that  the  reparation  due 
for  such  an  aggression  as  that  committed  on  the 
XTnited  States  Frigate,  the  Chesapeake,  should  have 
been  so  long  delayed ;  nor  cuuld  the  translation  of 
the  offending  officer  from  one  command  to  another, 
be  regarded  as  constituting  a  part  of  a  reparation 
otherwise  satisfactory  $  considering  however  the  ex- 
isting circumstances  of  the  case,  and  the  early  and 
amicable  attention  paid  to  it  by  his  Royal  Highness 
the  Prince  Regent,  the  President  accedes  to  the .  pro- 
position contained  in  your  letter,  and  in  so  doing  your 
government  will,  I  am  persuaded,  see  a  proof  of  ih^ 
conciliatory  disposition  by  which  the  President  has 
been  actuated. 

The  ofl^cer  commanding  the  Chesapeake,  now  ly- 
ing in  the  harbor  of  Boston,  will  be  instructed  to  re- 
ceive the  men  who  are  to  be  restored  to  that  ship. 
1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

JAMES  MOJNROJE. 

Augutius  J,  FostevyEsq,  b^c. 

;  '  .   . .  •     r  -■'  '    . 


HISTORY  OF  THE    WAR. 


n 


^       Mr.  Monroe,  to  Mr.  Foster. 

h■^U.■ 


■CM!  ^. 


SIR, 


Department  op  State,  Oct.  29, 1811.  >^ 


I  have  had  the  honor  lo  receive  your  letter  of  the 
22d  of  this  month,  and  to  lay  it  before  the  President. 

The  assurance  which  you  have  given  of  your  dis- 
position to  reciprocate,  in  our  communication  on  the 
important  subject'^  depending  between  our  govern- 
ments, the  respectful  attention  which  each  has  a  right 
to  claim,  and  'ihat  no  departure  from  it  was  intended 
in  your  letter  of  the 26th  July.,  has  been  received  with 
the  satisfaiction  due  to  the  frank  and  conciliatory  spirit 
in  which  it  was  made, 

I  learn  however,  with  much  regret,  that  you  have 
received  no  instructions  from  your  government  found- 
ed on  the  new  proof  of  the  revocation  of  the  Berlin 
and  Milan  Decrees,  which  was  communicated  to  the 
Marquis  of  Wellesley  by  the  American  charge  d'af- 
fairs  at  London,  in  a  document  of  which  1  had  the 
honor  to  transmit  to  you  a  copy.  It  might  fairly 
have  been  presumed,  as  I  have  before  observed,  that 
the  evidence  afforded  by  that  document,  of  the  com- 
plete revocation  of  those  Decrees,  so  far  as  they  in- 
terfered v/ith  the  commerce  of  the  United  States  with 
the  British  dominions,  would  have  been  followed  by 
an  immediate  repeal  of  the  Orders  in  Council.  From 
the  reply  of  the  Marquis  of  Wellesley,  it  was  at  least 
to  have  been  expected  that  no  time  had  been  lost  in 
transmitting  that  document  to  you,  and  that  the  in- 
.strilctions  accompanying  it  would  have  manifested  a 
change  in  the  sentiments  of  your  government  on  the 
subject.  Th*  -««rret  therefore  cannot  but  be  increas- 
ed in  Hnding  Lhat  cSe  communication  which  I  had  thd 
honor  to  make  to  you,  has  not  even  had  the  effect  of 
suspending  your  efforts  to  vindicate  the  perseverance 
of  your  government  in  enforcing  those  Orders. 

I  regret  also  to  observe,  that  the  light  in  which  you 
have  viewed  this  document,  and  the  remarks  which 
you  have  made  on  the  subject,  generally,  seems  to 


mi: 


1  n 


I     Ut 


I 


^  ■       -J 
H 

1"; 
fi 


72 


9l9T^-tV  PP  TH»  WA». 


pL'eclude  any  other  vif  w  pf  the  cgpditions  on  which 
those  Orders  are  to  be  revoked,  than  those  that  were 
furpifh^d  b)'  your  tbriDef  ^oinn)uniQatioMs.  You  still 
adhere  to  the  pretension  that  the  productinDf*  ucd  mau- 
^ft^ctiuos  of  Gi^at-Britfiint  wh^m  nQutr»H;):€dr  »'>^t  'v 
adfnitted  into  th^  pprti  of  your  enemicii.  This  pre<- 
teni|ioii  however  vague  iJke  langv;[i>^e  h^rf  tofore  \\e\d 
i)y  ypqr.governmoHit,  pi^rUcularly  ify  ihe  Marquis  of 
WeU^sley,  in  hh  tOmmurDcationy  with  Mr.  ]Pinkney, 
on  the  9ubject,  was  never  undm'!:.tood  lo  have  bviin 
embraced.  Nothing,  indeed  short  of  tlie  specific  de-^ 
claration^  which  you  have  made;  weald  ha'i't^inc^u  v^d 
^  hehef  ihat  such  w:i$  the  ctise, 

I  hav«>.  the  honor  to  be,  Ste. 
(Signed)  JAMAIS  MONRQK. 

.    Ai^gusius  J.  FostfTf  i^c,    .     ...  ,      ;.    .       , 


r,iy. 


i  t. 


■  it:. 


Mr.  Fo9ter  (o  Mr.  Monrot, ;.    mo  .  ; 

I  .  •  "'   . 

\Tasbikoton»  Oct.  Ulst,  18!  1. 


SIR, 

.  1  did  not  reply  at  great  It^ngth  to  the  observationt 
contained  in  your  letter  of  the  lat  inst.  on  the  pre^ 
tensions  of  Great-Britain  as  relative  to  the  French 
system*  b(  .;ause  you  seemed  to  me  to  have  argued  as 
if  but  a  part  of  the  system  continaed«  and  even  that 
pari  had  ceased  to  be  considered  as  a  measure  of  war 
agiinst  Great-Britain.  For  me  to  have  allowed  this 
would  have  been  at  once  to  allow  in  the  face  of  facts, 
that  the.  Decrees  of  France  were  repealed,  and  that 
her  unprecedented  measures,  avowedly  pursued  in 
defiance  of  the  laws  of  nations,  were  become  mere 
ordinary  regulations  of  trade.  I  therefore  thought 
fit  to  confine  my  answer  to  your  remarks,  to  a  gene- 
ral statement  of  the  sum  of  the  demands  ofGreatr 
Britain,  which  wan,  that  France  should  by  efiectualiy 
revoking  her  Decrees,  revert  to  the  usual  method  of 
carrying  on  war  as  praclisetl  in  civilised  £urope«> 


The  pn 

merce  in  a 

the  contiiu 

tions  wliicl 

ai'e  preced< 

ed  on  a  de 

himself  -^  V( 

characteris 

forget  all  i< 

ingsof  hue 

war  aduplf 

It  is  noi 

of  mere  c( 

pose,  whic 

to  blockade 

feeling,  an 

against  the 

system  of  i 

to  the  doctr 

continent  t<, 

j^eize  upon 

the  sole  pis 

or  of  their 

jonial  prodi 

This  pre 

tem,  the  wl 

the  letter  c 

corroborate 

French  gov 

quivocal  de 

sidered  as  s 

I    In  the  CO 

to  me,  I  an 

cover  any  i 

Decrees  ha 

ready  repea 

biy  led  to  t 

ships  taken 

crees  after  j 

to  deny  thai 


HISl'OAY  OF  THE  WAR, 


«d 


The  pretensions  of  France  to  prohibit  all  conof 
merce  in  articles  of  British  origin,  in  every  part  of 
the  continent,  is  one  among  the  many  violent  innova* 
tions  which  are  contained  in  the  Decrees,  and  which 
a^e  preceded  by  the  declaration  of  their  being  found- 
ed on  a  determination  of  the  ruler  of  France,  as  he 
himself  '^^  vowed,  to  revert  to  the  princi|jles  which 
characterised  the  barbarism  of  the  dark  ages,  and  to 
forget  all  ideas  of  justice,  and  <!ven  the  conimoii  feel- 
ings of  humanity,  in  the  new  method  of  carrying  on 
war  adopted  by  him. 

It  is  not  however  a  question  with  (ireat-Britain 
of  mere  commercial  interest,  n»  you  seem  to  sup* 
pose,  which  is  involved  in  the  nttem[)t  by  Bonaparte 
to  blockade  her  both  by  sea  and  land,  but  one  of  the 
feeling,  and  of  national  honor,  contending  as  we  do 
against  the  principles  which  he  professes  in  his  new 
system  of  warfare.  It  is  impossible  for  us  to  submit 
to  the  doctrine  that  he  has  a  right  to  compel  the  whole 
continent  to  break  oif  all  intercourse  with  us,  and  to 
5eize  upon  vessels  belonging  to  neutral  nations  upon 
the  sole  plea  of  their  having  visited  an  English  port, 
or  of  their  being  laden  with  articles  of  British  or  co- 
jonial  produce,  in  whatsoever  manner  acquired. 

This  pretension,  however,  is  but  a  part  of  that  sys- 
tem, the  whole  of  which,  under  our  construction  of 
the  letter  of  M.  Champagny,  of  August  5,  1810, 
corroborated  by  many  subsequent  declarations  of  the 
French  government,  and  not  invalidated  by  any  une« 
quivocal  declaration  of  a  contrary  tenor,  must  be  con- 
sidered as  still  in  full  force.  '~  < 
f  In  the  communication  which  you  lately  transmitted 
to  me,  I  am  sorry  to  repeat,  that  I  was  unable  to  dis- 
cover any  facts  which  satisfactorily  proved  that  the 
Decrees  had  been  actually  repealed,  and  I  have  aU 
ready  repeatedly  stated  the  reasons  which  too  proba- 
bly led  to  the  rt^storation  of  a  few  of  the  American 
ships  taken  in  pursuance  of  the  Berlin  and  Milan  De- 
crees after  November  1.  Mr.  Russell  does  not  seem 
to  deny  that  the  Decrees  may  still  be  kept  in  force, 

10 


I  • 


ii:i 


'    1    I 


'>t  : 


74 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


only  he  th  ks  they  have  assumed  a  municipal  char* 
acter  ;  but  in  M.  Champagny's  declaration,  ambigu- 
OU8  as  it  was,  there  is  no  such  division  of  them  into 
two  different  characters ;  for  if  the  contingency  re- 
quired by  the  French  Minister  took  place,  the  ISerlin 
and  Milan  Decrees  were  to  cease,  according  to  liis 
expression,  without  any  qualitication.  If  therefore  a 
part  of  them  remain,  or  be  revived  again,  as  seems 
to  be  allowed  even  here,  why  may  not  the  whole  be 
equally  so  ?  Where  proof  can  be  obtained  of  their 
existence,  we  have  it,  namely,  in  the  ports  of  Prance, 
in  which  vessels  have  been  avowedly  seized  under 
their  operation  since  Nov.  1^  Of  their  maritime  ex- 
istence we  cannot  so  easily  obtain  evidence,  because 
of  the  few  French  ships  of  war  which  venture  to 
leave  their  harbors.  Who  can  doubt  however  that 
had  the  ruler  of  France  a  navy  at  his  command, 
equal  to  the  enforcing  of  his  violent  Decrees,  he 
"would  soon  show  that  part  of  them  to  be  no  dead  let- 
ter. The  principle  is  not  the  less  obnoxious  because 
it  is  from  necessity  almost  dormant  for  the  moment, 
nor  ought  it  therefore  to  be  less  an  object  to  be  stren!- 
uously  resisted. 

Allow  me,  sir,  here  to  express  my  sincere  regret, 
that  I  have  not  as  yet  been  able  to  con\  ince  you,  by 
what  I  cannot  but  consider  the  strongest  evidence,  of 
the  continued  existence  of  the  French  Decrees,  and 
consequently  of  the  unfriendly  policy  of  your  gov- 
ernment in  enforcing  the  non-impoiiation  against  us, 
and  opening  the  trade  with  our  enemies.  His  Royal 
Highness  will,  I  am  convinced,  learn  with  unfeigned 
sorrow,  that  such  continues  to  be  still  the  determina- 
tion of  America,  and  whatever  restrictions  on  the 
commerce  enjoyed  by  America  in  His  Majesty *s  do- 
minions, may  ensue  on  the  part  of  Great-Britain,  as 
retaliatory  on  the  refusal  by  your  government  to  ad- 
mit the  productions  of  Great-Britam  while  they  open 
their  harbors  to  those  of  His  Majesty's  enemies,  they 
wilt,  1  am  persuaded,  be  adopted  with  sincere  pain, 
and  with  pleasure  relinquished  whenever  this  country 


shall  resum 
between  th 
I  have  tl 
tion  and  re 
vant, 

To  the  h 


Ui.iMtiiy 


The  folloK 
1812,  tn 
of  Congt 

toiheSem 

I  commu 
Extraordin 
Britain  to  tl 
the  latter. 

The  con 
pondence, 
ernment  a| 
considerati( 
ation  of  ad 

Washinti 


«  111  i 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAB* 


75 


shall  resume  her  neutral  position  and  impartial  attitude 
between  the  two  belligerents. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  considera- 
tion and  respect,  sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  ser- 
vant, 

AUGUSTUS  J.  POSTER. 

To  the  kon*  J.  Monroe,  8^. 

«*  «(  '1  '"t'/i  r,  ••/i^  <!•••.  !' 

}    'till  Oj  "SV!'.-|mV 


CHAPTER  II. 


The  following  Message  wus,  on  tke  nth  January, 
1812,  transmitted  ly  the  President  to  both  Houses 
of  Congress.  ,  -       ^;, 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  Ute 
-  f  w  •  .'     United  States.  t 

I  communicate  to  Congress  a  letter  from  the  Envoy 
Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of  Great- 
Britain  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  with  Uie  answer  of 
the  latter.  :'  ..; 

The  continued  evidence,  afforded  in  this  corresr 
pondence,  of  the  hostile  policy  of  the  British  gov- 
ernment against  our  national  rights,  strengthens  the 
considerations  recommending  and  urging  the  prepar* 
ation  of  adequate  means  for  maintaining  them. 

JAMES  MADISON. 
Washington,  Jan.  16,  1812.  ,„    ..i  ., 

',  'I Ji'uiirf  .;>'..!  ?*»!i//'.  ii\Ai -liti' m-iii  \ii  nwim  I  l  ] 


i    I 


I   << 


-(,;»' 


:^i; 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 

(.'.!':>  Mr.  Foster  to  Mr.  Monroe.      '»; 


1    \ 


/ 


Washington,  Dec.  17.  1811. 


SIR, 

I  did  not  mean  to  have  written  to  you  at  this  mo- 
ment on  the  subject  of  our  late  correspondence,  but 
that  I  have  luid  the  mortification  to  perceive  state- 
ments, circulated  from  hij^hly  respectable  sources, 
which  give  a  view  of  the  pretensions  of  Great-Britain 
relative  to  the  United  States  not  warranted  by  any  uf 
the  letters  which  I  liad  the  honor  to  address  to  you, 
and  which,  at  a  time  when  discussions  are  continuing 
so  important  to  the  two  countries  might,  if  left  unrec- 
tified,  produce  an  effect  highly  to  be  lamented  by  both 
the  AmericaA  and  British  governments,  inasmuch  as 
by  creating  unnecessary  irritation,  they  might  throw 
ohstacles  in  the  way  of  a  restoration  of  a  friendly  un- 
derstanding between  them. 

I  find  it  asserted,  in  the  statement  referred  to,  that 
I  have,  in  the  name  of  my  government,  demanded 
that  the  United  States'  government  should  pass  a  law 
for  the  introduction  of  British  goods  into  the  Ameri- 
can ports,  and  also  that  the  United  States  should  un- 
dertake to  force  France  to  receive  into  her  harboi"s 
British  manufactures. 

I  beg  permission,  sir,  to  declare  that  neither  of 
tliese  demands  have  been  made  by  me,  and  that  my 
meaning  must  not  ave  been  understood,  if  such  was 
conceived  to  have  been  its  import.  I  could  not  have 
demanded  the  passage  of  such  a  law  as  above  stated, 
becau.se  my  government  does  not  pretend  to  interfere 
with  the  internal  government  of  a  friendly  power,  nor 
did  I  mean  to  demand  that  America  should  force 
France  to  receive  our  manufactures. 

All  I  meant  to  say  was,  that  the  admission  of 
French  commerce  wh>le  that  of  England  has  been 
excluded  from  the  United  States'  ports,  was  regar- 
ded by  Great-Britain  as  highly  unfreindly  in  Amer- 
ica, and  that  a  contmuation  of  such  policy  would  be 
'retaliated  upon  by  Great-Britain  with  situilir  restric- 


tions on  hei 

of  like  for  11 

tation  act 

States'  por 

further  ana 

American  | 

of  GreaUBi 

for  the  cqui 

ligerent  po^ 

Secretary  o 

part  of  the 

justly  an  ob 

of  Great- Br 

tage  which 

this  state  of 

pouetsinff  r 

prey  on  the 

a  refuge  for 

The  proh 

der  tliese  cii 

Britain  in  u 

have  for  rep 

cil,  so  as  to  li 

unavoidably 

tral  nation,  i 

cussion  on  I 

either  by  the 

ed,  or  the  p 

prohibition, . 

tie.**  of  a  neul 

With  res] 

that  Americ 

factures  into 

that  I  shouk 

appears  to  hi 

tion  of  retail 

one  between 

of  the  extrao 

our  defence 

prohibit  all  ti 


',i  I 


inSTORY  OF  THK  WAR. 


17 


tionN  on  her  park,  which  was  !to  far  merely  an  offering 
of  like  for  hke.  Bat  while  the  American  non-inipor- 
tatiou  act  excludes  British  trade  from  liie  United 
States'  ports,  it  mnst  be  recollected  that  it  fi^oes  still 
fuiiher  and  excludes  also  British  armed  ships  from 
American  ports,  while  it  admits  those  of  tlie  enemies 
of  Great-Britain.  *  A  neutral  nation  is  responsible 
for  the  equality  of  its  rules  of  conduct  towards  the  bel- 
ligerent powers'  (to  use  the  words  of  an  American 
Secretary  of  State  in  the  year  1700,)  and  therefore  the 
part  of  the  law  which  establishes  an  inequality  was 
justly  an  object  of  more  serious  complaint  on  the  part 
of  Great-Britain.  You  are  aware,  sir,  of  the  advan- 
tage which  his  Majesty's  enemies  liiive  derived  from 
this  state  of  inequality,  which  enables  them,  though 
possessing  no  port  in  this  hemisphere,  continually  to 
prey  on  tne  trade  of  his  Majesty's  subjects,  secure  of 
a  refuge  for  their  cruisers  and  their  prizes. 

The  prohibition  of  entry  to  his  Majesty's  ships  un- 
der these  circumstances  might  perhaps  justify  Great- 
Britain  in  asserting,  that  whatever  reason  she  may 
have  for  repealing  or  modifying  her  Orders  in  0>un- 
cil,  60  as  to  lessen  or  entirely  remove  the  pressure  now 
unavoidably  laid  on  the  trade  of  America  as  a  neu- 
tral nation,  she  might  yet  refuse  to  enter  into  any  dis- 
cussion on  tliHt  subject  witli  the  United  States,  until 
either  by  the  revocation  of  the  prohibition  above  stat- 
ed, or  tlie  placing  all  the  belligerents  under  the  same 
prohibition,  America  should  cease  to  violate  the  du- 
ties of  a  neutral  nation. 

With  respect,  however,  to  the  supposed  demand 
that  America  should  force  the  entry  ot  British  manu- 
factures into  France,  it  is  most  particularly  necessary 
that  I  should  explain  myself,  as  a  total  misconception 
appears  to  have  taken  place  upon  this  point.  The  ques- 
tion of  retaliation  on  the  French  Decrees  is  directly 
one  between  England  and  France.  In  consequenct- 
of  the  extraordniary  blockade  of  England,  we  have  in 
our  defence  boen  obliged  to  blockade  France,  and 
prohibit  all  trade  in  French  afticlos  in  ii'turn  for  thr; 


'I 


1   I 


78 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


^•M 


i 

t 

n 

' 

1 

i 

•a 

prohibition  by  France  of  all  trade  in  English  artioleir. 
^hii  measure  of  retaliation,  it  in  wished*  should  oper. 
ate  on  France  alone,  but  from  the  trade  carried  on 
with  France  by  America,  it  unavoidably  operates  also 
on  her;  it  \h  a  measure  to  destroy  the  French  trade 
in  return  for  the  similar  meaMure  of  France  on  which 
it  is  retaliatory,  and  its  acting  on  neutrals  is  an  inci- 
dental effect  of  it,  consequent  upon  the  submission  of 
neutrals  to  the  original  measures  of  the  enemy  agaiuHt 
Great-Britain.  It  is  indeed  melancholy  that  the  unna- 
tural situation  of  £urope  whunld  produce  such  a  re- 
suit,  but  I  cannot  see  how  this  can  be  considered  as 
war  on  American  commerce  when  all  other  Ameri- 
can trade  but  that  which  is  carried  on  with  our  en- 
emy's ports  in  defiance  of  a  blockade  authorized  by 
the  laws  of  retaliation  is  unaffected  by  it.  We  com- 
plain that  America  does  not  resist  the  regulations  of 
the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees,  and  object  to  permit- 
ting the  French  to  trade  with  her  during  their  con- 
tinuance against  the  commerce  of  England  ;  but  thfi 
is  not  exacting,  as  has  been  represented,  that  Ameri- 
ca should  force  British  manufactures  into  France ;  it 
is  pursuing  only  a  just  course  of  retaliation  on  our 
enemy.  If  America  wishes  to  trade  with  France,  if 
French  commerce  is  of  importance  to  her — we  expect 
she  should  exact  of  France  to  trade  with  her  as  she  has  a 
right  to  demand  in  her  quality  of  neutral ;  but  if  she  does 
not  choose  to  exercise  this  right,  all  we  ask  is,  that  she 
should  abstain  froy  lending  her  assistance  to  the  trade 
of  France,  and  not  allow  her  commerce  to  be  a  medi- 
um of  undermining  the  resources  of  Great-BHtain. 

I  have  thought  it  necessary  thus  to  endeavor  to 
set  these  two  points  in  their  true  light :  the  repeal  of 
the  law  was  asked,  as  being  an  unfriendly  measure, 
partial  in  its  operation  against  Great-Britain,  and  a 
prospect  of  retaliation  was  held  out  on  its  commer- 
cial operation  if  continued.  This  is  no  demand  on 
the  United  States  to  admit  British  manufactures ; 
they  are  at  liberty  to  continue  that  law,  only  as  it  is  of 
an  unfriendly   nature,  some  restriction  of  a  similar 


kind  was  t 
respect  to  I 

S>ods,  the 
e  United 
lations  of  tl 
England  tt 
ed  if  we  coi 
mission  to  I 
I  will  no' 
that  I  have 
Stale,  the  r 
honor  to  tn 
pet.  17.     1 
in  it  satisfai 
crees,  and  ( 
ceiices  betw 
P^arded,  eve 
m  their  fulli 
repealed,  tc 
necessary,  a 
for  that  licei 
The  cont 
b;^  which  tn 
of  surprise, 
transaction, 
producing 
pri)duced,  i 
order  that  w 
have  been  i 
any  respect, 
to  have  beer 
of  last  July. 
esti  ng,  that 
publication 
own  govern 
in  fact  the  ] 
American  si 
had  become 
tion,  and  th( 
cumber  21, 


r       ' 


i  I 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR, 


79 


kind  was  to  be  expeclecl  from  £i)glai>d  :  and  with 
respect  to  the  alledged   demand  for  forcing^   British 

SK>ds,  the  property  of  neutral8,  into  French  ports,  if 
e  United  States  are  willins^  to  acquiesce  in  the  regu- 
lationii  of  the  French  Decrees  unlawfully  aifectiiig 
England  through  them,  they  cannot  surely  bo  surprise 
ed  if  we  consider  ourselves  as  at  liberty  tu  refuse  per* 
mission  to  the  French  to  profit  by  that  acquiescence. 

I  will  now,  sir,  take  the  opportunity  of  stating  to  yon, 
that  I  have  received  from  bis  Majesty's  Secretary  of 
State,  the  correspondence  of  which  you  did  me  the 
honor  to  transmit  tu  me  a  copy  in  your  letter  dated 
Oct.  17.  My  government  have  nut  been  able  to  see 
in  it  satisfactory  proof  of  the  repeal  of  the  French  De- 
crees,  and  doubt  whether  the  trade  carried  on  by  li. 
cences  between  France  and^America,  will  not  be  re- 
garded, even  here,  as  proof  of  the  continuation  of  them 
in  their  fullest  extent,  for  if  ihey  were  to  any  extent 
repealed,  to  that  extent  i\l  least  no  licence  should  be 
necessary,  a  licence  being  given  to  allow  what,  but 
for  that  licence,  would  be  prohibited. 

The  continued  absence  hitherto  of  any  instrument 
by  which  the  repeal  has  been  effected,  is  a  matter  also 
oisiirprise,  for  if  there  were  any  fair  dealing  in  the 
trausaction,  no  reason  can  be  given  by  France  for  not 
producing  it ;  it  is  very  desirable  that  it  should  be 
produced,  if  such  an  instrument  be  in  existence,  in 
order  that  we  may  know  to  what  extent  the  Decrees 
have  been  repealed,  if  they  really  have  been  so  in 
any  respect.  Mr.  Russell  however,  does  not  appesir 
to  have  been  in  possession  of  it  at  the  date  of  his  letter 
of  last  July.  It  is  indeed  become  particularly  inter- 
esting, that  we  should  see  this  instrument  since  the 
publication  of  Mr.  Russetl's  correspondence  with  his 
own  government,  by  which  it  appears  that  really,  and 
in  fact  the  French  government  did  not  release  any 
American  ships  taken  afier  November  1,  until  they 
had  become  acquainted  with  the  President's  Proclama- 
tion, and  that  vessels  have  been  taken  so  lale  us  De- 
cember 21,  in  the  direct  voyage  from  this  country  to 


n  ••(    . 


i 


r^ 


I' 


80 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAH. 


London ;  for  until  a  copy  of  such  instrument  is  pro- 
duced, it  is  impossible  to  know  whether  any  otlier 
trade  is  allowed  by  France  than  that  between  her  own 
dominions  and  the  ports  of  the  United  States. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,,  with  the  higbc-st  considera- 
tion, sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

AUGUSTUS  J.  POSTER. 

To  the  hon.  James  Monroe,  ^c. 


•i  t'L 


It 


Mvh  Monroe  to  Mr.  Foster. 


r  1 


Department  or  Statjj  Jan.  14, 1812. 
SIR. 

I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter  of  De- 
cember 17th,  and  I  embrace  the  tirst  moment  that  J 
could  command,  to  make  the  observations  which  it 
suggests. 

It  would  have  afforded  great  satisfaction  to  the 
President,  to  have  found  in  the  communication,  some 
proof  of  a  disposition  in  the  British  governmentto  put 
ail  end  to  the  differences  subsisting  between  our 
countries. — I  am  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  state,  that  it 
presents  a  new  proof  only  of  its  determination  to  ad> 
here  to  the  policy,  to  which  they  are  imputable. 

You  complain  that  the  import  of  your  former  letters 
has  been  misunderstood  in  two  important  circumstan- 
ces :  that  you  have  been  represented  to  liave  demand- 
ed of  the  United  States,  a  law  for  the  introduction  of 
British  goods  into  their  ports,  and  that  they  should  al- 
so undertake  to  force  France  to  receive  British  manu- 
factures into  her  harbors. 

You  state  that  on  the  first  point,  it  was  your  inten- 
tion only  to  remonstrate  against  the  non-importation 
act,  as  partial  in  its  operation,  and  unfriendly  to  Great- 
Britain,  on  which  account  its  repeal  was  claimed,  and 
to  intimate  that  if  it  was  persevered  in,  Great-Britain 
would  be  cuuipelled  to  retaliate  on  the  commerce  of 
the  United  States,  by  similar  restrictions  on  her  part. 


And  on  t) 

urge,  that 

ade  of  Euj 

to  blocka 

French    s 

France  of 

It  js  «ufl 

whatever  e 

is  required 

ing  to  it,  I 

repeal  its  < 

thus  produ 

belligerent 

conduct  of 

On  the  s 

planatioH  g 

not  meet  th 

declare  a  b 

the  United 

articles  on 

bition  no  lo 

those  Decr( 

within  her 

violates  no 

the  United 

tion  ai'e  con 

tral  rights  c 

tion,  which, 

to  the  fomif 

required  tha 

lutions  agaii 

change  Iwr 

tli€  United  { 

But  you  s 

revoked,  an 

Mr.  Russell 

vessels  have 

their  route  t 

this  remark;, 

dence,  that  c 


11      !    I 


llkStORY  Of  miE  WAR. 


m 


nten- 

ation 

reat- 

,Hnd 

ritain 

ce  of 

part. 


And  on  the  second  point,  that  you  intended  only  to 
urge,  that  in  consequence  of  the  extraordinrry  block- 
ade of  Englftndk  your  government  had  been  obliged 
to  blockade  France,  and  to  prohibit  all  trade  in 
French  articles,  in  return  for  the  prohibition  by 
France  of  all  trade  in  English  articles. 

It  is  sufficient  to  remark  on  the  first  point,  that  on 
whatever  ground  the  repeal  of  the-  non-importation  act 
18  required,  the  United  States  are  justilied  in  adher- 
ing to  it,  by  the  refusal  of  the  British  government  to 
repeal  its  Orders  in  Council ;  and  if  a  distinction  is 
thus  produced  between  Great-Britain  and  the  other 
belligerent,  it  must  be  referred  to  the  difference  in  the 
conduct  of  the  two  parties. 

On  the  second  point,  I  have  to  observe  that  the  ex- 
planation given  cannot  be  satisfactory,  because  it  does 
not  meet  the  case  now  existing.  France  did,  it  is  true, 
declare  a  blockade  of  England,  against  the  trade  of 
the  United  States,  and  prohibit  all  trade  in  English 
articles  onlbe  high  seas,  but  this  blockade  and  prohi- 
bition no  longer  exist. — It  is  true  also,  that  a  part  of 
those  Decrees,  did  prohibit  a  trade  in  English  articles, 
within  her  territorial  jurisdiction  ;  but  this  prohibition 
violates  no  national  rights,  or  neutral  commerce  of 
the  United  States.  Stil!  your  blockade  and  prohibi- 
tion are  continued,  in  violation  of  the  national  and  neu- 
tral rights  of  the  United  States,  on  a  pretext  of  retalia- 
tion, which,  if  even  applicable  could  only  be  applied 
to  the  former,  and  not  to  the  latter  interdicts :  and  it  is 
required  that  France  shall  change  her  internal  regu- 
lations against  English  trade,  before  England  will 
change  her  external  regulations  against  the  trade  of 
tlic  tfnited  SUites. 

But  you  still  insist  that  the  French  Decrees  are  un- 
revoked, and  urge  in  proof  of  it,  a  fact  drawn  from 
Mr.  Russell's  correspondence,  that  some  American 
vessels  have  been  taken  since  the  1st  of  November,  in 
their  route  to  England.  It  is  a  satisfectoiy  answer  to 
this  remark;,  that  it  appears  by  the  same  correspon- 
dence, that  every   American  vessel  which  hjid  been 

n 


■  M   i   1' 


Iv 

A} 

m 

\  I 


!..!t 


17 


I       i 


^w, 


82 


HISl'OllY   OF   THE   WAR. 


M 


••  '. 


taken  in  that  trade,  the  seizure  of  whicli  rested  on  the 
Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees  unly,  were,  as  soon  as  that 
fact  was  ascertained,  delivered  up  to  their  owners. 
Alight  there  not  be  other  gound  also,  on  which  seiz- 
ures might  be  made  ?  Great-Britain  claims  a  right  to 
seize  for  other  causes,  and  alt  nations  admit  it  in  the 
case  of  contraband  of  war.  If  bv  the  law  of  nations, 
one  belligerent  has  a  right  to  seize  neutral  property 
in  any  case,  the  other  belligerent  has  the  same  right. 
Nor  ought  r  to  overlook  that  the  practice  of  counter- 
feiting American  pa|jers  in  England,  which  is  well 
known  to  the  continent,  has  by  impairing  the  faith  due 
to  American  documents,  done  to  the  United  Stales 
essential  injury.  Against  this  practice  the  minister  of 
the  United  Stales  at  London,  as  will  appea^  by  refer- 
ence to  his  letter  to  the  Marquis  Wellestey  of  the  3d 
of  May,  1810,  made  a  formal  representation,  in  pur- 
suance of  instructions  from  his  government,  with  an 
ofl'er  of  every  information  possessed  by  him,  which 
might  contribute  to  detect  and  suppress  it.  It  is  pain- 
ful lo  add  that  this  communicsttiou  was  entirely  dis- 
regi  rdeil.  That  Gre^it-Britain  should  complain  of 
acts  in  France,  to  which  by  her  neglect,  she  was  in- 
strumental, and  draw  from  them  proof  in  snppoii  of 
her  Orders  in  Council,  ought  certainly  not  to  have 
been  expected. 

You  remark  also,  that  the  practice  of  the  French 
government  to  grant  licences  to  certain  American 
vessels,  engaged  in  the  trade  between  the  United 
States  and  France,  is  an  additional  proof  that  the 
French  Decrees  stdl  operate  in  their  fullest  extent. 
On  what  principle  this  inference  is  drawn  from  that 
fact  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  conceive.  It  was  not 
the  object  of  the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees  to  pro- 
hibit the  trade  betvteen  the  United  States  and  France. 
They  were  meant  to  prohibit  the  trade  of  the  United 
States  willi  Great-Britain,  which  violated  our  neutral 
ri^^hts,  and  to  prohibit  the  trade  of  Great-Britain  with 
the  continent,  with  which  the  United  States  have 
nothing  to  do.     It  the  object  had  been  to  prohibit  the 


trade  be 
Britain 
for  com 
in  any  n 
been  by 
hibit  it  VI 
but  a  co- 
in certaii 
more    tl 
instance! 
ex.tract  f 
lun  Deci 
trade  be! 
might  lu 
cences  t( 
may  hav( 
against  t! 
was  not ! 
fered  froi 
one  with 
have  the 
ed  on  oti 
note. 

It  is  a 

your  gov 

of  Mr. 

nicate  to 

has  been 

ment,  su 

Milan  D 

dence  of 

ed  \  it  Wi 

the  Mart 

mitted  to 

dependin 

no  weigh 

Thed 

order  giv 

ers,  in  & 

crees,  is 


tl! 


UISTOKY    OF   THE  WAR. 

trade  betweon  the  United  Stales  jiud  Prance,  CJreat- 
Britain  could  never  have  t'oiuid  in  them  any  |)«etext 
for  compluint.  And  if  the  idea  of  retaliation,  couUI 
in  any  respect  have  heeii  applicable,  it  would  have 
been  by  prohibiting-  our  trade  with  herself.  To  pro- 
hibit it  with  France,  would  not  have  been  a  retaliation, 
but  a  co-operation.  If  licencing"  by  France  the  trade 
in  certain  instances,  [U'oveany  thing*,  it  proves  nothing' 
more  than  that  the  trade  with  France  iu  other 
instances,  is  under  restraint.  ]t  seems  impossible  to 
e>Ltract  from  it  in  any  respect,  that  the  Berlin  and  Mi- 
Ian  Decrees  are  in  force,  so  far  as  they  prohibit  the 
trade  between  the  United  States  and  England.  I 
might  here  repeat  the  French  practice  of  granting  li- 
cences to  trude  between  the  United  States  and  France, 
may  have  been  intended  in  part,  at  least  as  a  security 
against  tUe  simulated  papers;  the  forging  of  which 
was  not  suppressed  iu  England.  It  is  not  to  be  in- 
fered  from  these  remarks,  that  a  trade  by  licence,  is 
one  with  which  the  United  States  are  satistied.  They 
have  the  strongest  objections  to  it,  but  these  are  found- 
ed on  other  principles,  than  those  suggested  in  your 
note. 

It  is  a  caus?  of  great  surprise  to  the  Presijjent,  that 
your  government  has  not  seen  m  the  corre.spondt.iv.e 
of  Mr.  Russell,  which  I  had  the  honor  to  commu- 
nicate to  you  on  the  I7th  of  October  last,  and  wiiich 
has  been  lately  transmitted  to  you  by  your  govern- 
ment, sufficient  proof  of  the  repeal  of  the  !k!;ni  an<l 
Milan  Decrees,  independant  of  the  conclusive  evi- 
dence of  the  fact,  which  that  correspondence  aiford- 
ed  ;  it  was  not  to  be  presumed  from  the  intimation  of 
the  Marquis  of  VVellesley,  that  if  it  was  to  be  trans- 
mitted to  you,  to  be  taken  into  consideration  in  the 
depending  discussions,  diatitwas  of  a  nature  to  have 
no  weight  in  these  discussions.  nya'tM*  hitH^ 

The  demand  which  you  now  make  of  a  view  of  the 
order  given  by  the  French  government  to  its  cruiz- 
ers,  in  consecjuence  t)f  the  repeal  of  the  French  De- 
crees, is  a  new  proof  of  its  indisposition  to  repeal  the 


^lir*    i.   '' 


uu 


H 


u 


HISTORY  OF 


THE 


WAR. 


;;    i 


til 


ni^ 


'IM 


Orders  in  Council.  The  declar^ion  of  the  Fteiush 
government  U'as,  as  has  been  heretofore  observed,  a 
solemn  and  obligatory  act,  and  an  sucll;  entitled  to  the 
notice  and  respect  of  other  governments.  It  was  in- 
cumbent on  Gret^.'Briiain,  therefore,  in  fulfihnent  of 
her  engagement,  to  have  provided  that  her  Orders  in 
Council  should  not  have  eft'ect,  after  the  time  Axed  for 
the  cessation  of  the  French  Decrees.  A  pretension 
in  Great-Britain  to  keep  her  Orders  in  force  till  she 
received  satisfaction  of  the  [)ractical  compliance  of 
|*^rance,  is  utterly  incompatible  with  her  pledge.  A 
doubt,  founded  on  any  single  act,  however  unauthor- 
ised, committed  by  a  French  privateer,  might,  on  that 
principle,  become  a  motive  for  delay  and  refusal.  A 
suspicion  that  such  acts  would  be  committed  might 
have  the  same  effect ;  and  in  like  manner  her  compli- 
ance might  be  withheld  as  long  at  the  war  continued. 
But  let  me  here  remark,  that  if  there  was  room  for  a 
quesiicn,  whether  the  French  repeal  did,  or  did  not 
take  effect,  at  the  date  an  iO^M^ed  by  France,  and 
required  by  the  United  Sta'  is,  n  cannot  he  alleSged 
that  the  Decrees  have  not  ^eased  to  operate  since  the 
2d  of  February  last,  as  he.  uoL  re  observed.  And  as 
the  actual  cessation  of  the  Decrees  to  violate  our  neu- 
tral rights,  was  the  only  essential  fact  in  the  case,  and 
has  long  been  known  to  your  government,  the  Orders 
in  Cuuucil,  from  the  date  of  that  knowledge,  ought  to 
have  ceased,  according  to  its  own  principles  and 
pledges. 

But  the  question  whether  and  when  the  repeal  of 
the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees  took  effect  in  relation 
to  the  neutral  commerce  Gf  the  United  States,  is  supers 
ceded  by  the  novel  and  extraordinary  claim  of  Great- 
Britain  to  a  trade  in  British  articles,  with  her  enemy  j 
for  supposing  the  repeal  to  have  taken  place,  in  the 
fullest  extent  claimed  by  the  United  States,  it  could 
according  to  that  claim,  have  no  effect  in  removing  the 
Orders  in  Council. 

On  a  full  view  of  the  conduct  of  the  British  gov^ 
crnment  in  these  transactions,  it  is  impossible  to  s^^ 


initanyth 
the  rights  i 
the  Ordero 
France,  at 
Ic  be  ineffe 
force  since, 
been  remov 
of  their  fep( 
United  Stal 
and  could  n 
neutrality, 
merca  of  o 
hant  to  her 
laws,  and  w 
without  a  »t 
dence. 


Augustus , 


PRI 

To  the  Senate 

I  communi 
ing  a  continu 
them,  en  the  si 

Without  gc 
of  the  war  in  w 
ting  unrepair 
conduct  of  hei 
bostile  to  the 
nmttaX  nation 


HISTORV  OF  THE  WAR, 


85 


in-it  any  thing  short  of  a  spirit  of  determiaed  hostility  to 
the  rights  and  interests  or  the  United  States.— It  issued 
the  Ordero  in  Council,  on  a  principle  of  retaliation  on 
France,  at  a  time  when  it  admitted  the  French  Decrees 
Icbe  ineffectual;  it  has  sustained  those  Orders  in  full 
force  since,  notwithstanding  the  pretext  for  them  has 
been  removed,  and  latterly  it  has  added  a  new  condition 
of  their  repeal,  to  be  performed  by  France,  to  which  the 
United  States  in  their  neutral  character,  have  no  claim, 
and  could  not  demand,  without  departing  from  their 
neutrality,  a  condition  which,  in  respect  to  the  com- 
merc;i  of  other  nations  with  Great- Britain,  is  repug- 
hant  to  her  own  policy,  and  prohibited  by  her  own 
laws,  and  which  can  never  be  enforced  on  any  nation 
without  a  :«abversion  of  its  sovereignty  an  J  i  indepen- 
dence. 

^  have  the  honor  to  be,  See. 

JAMES  MONROE. 
Augustus  J.  Foster^  SCc. 


to 
md 


tiou 


jat- 


the 

uld 

Ithe 


lovx 


CHAPTER  III. 

PRESIDENT'S  MANIFESTO. 

To  if ie  Senate  and   House  of  Representatives  of  the 

United  Sfates. 

I  communicate  to  Congress  certain  documents,  be- 
ing a  continuation  of  those  heretofore  laid  before 
them,  en  the  subject,  of  our  affairs  with  Great-Britain. 

Without  going  back  beyond  the  renewal  in  1803, 
I  of  the  war  in  which  Great-Britain  is  engaged,  and  omit- 
ting unrepaired  wrongs  of  inferior  magnitude,  the 
ccndttct  of  her  government  presents  a  series  of  acts 
hostile  to  the  United  States  a,s  an  independent  ani| 
lav'^utral  nation. 


'?  <' 


.    :? 


i'll 


■  r 


in 


8G 


HlStORY   OF  Tftn   WAA. 


British  cruizers  have  heen  in  the  continued  prac- 
tice of  violating  the  American  flag*,  on  the  great 
highway  of  nations,  and  of  seizingandcarryiiigoff  per- 
sons sailing  under  it :  not  in  the  exercise  of  a  belli- 
gerent right,  founded  on  the  law  of  nations  against 
an  enemvt  hut  of  a  municipal  prerogative  over  Bri- 
tish subjects.  British  jurisdiction  is  thus  extended  to 
neutral  vessels  in  a  situation  where  no  laws  can  op- 
erate hut  the  law  of  nations  and  the  laws  of  the  coun- 
try to  which  the  vessels  belong ;  and  a  self  redress  is 
assumed,  which,  it  British  subjects  were  wrongfully 
detained  and  alone  concerned,  is  that  S(if>stitution  of 
force  for  a  resort  to  the  responsible  sovereign,  which 
falls  withni  the  definition  of  war.  Could  the  seizure 
of  British  subjects,  in  such  oases  be  regarded  as  with- 
in the  exercise  of  a  belligerent  right,  the  acknowl- 
edged laws  of  war,  which  forbid  an  article  of  captur- 
ed properly  to  be  adjudged,  without  a  regular  investi- 
gation before  a  competent  tribuns^l,  would  imperious- 
ly demand  the  fairest  trial  where  tiie  sacred  rights  of 
persons  were  at  issue.  In  place  of  such  a  trial,  these 
rights  are  subjected  to  the  will  of  every  petty  com- 
mander. 

The  practice,  lieiice,  is  so  far  from  affecting  British 
subjects  alone,  that  under  the  pretext  of  searching  for 
these,  thous;uuls  of  American  citizens,  under  the  safe- 
guard  of  public  law,  and  of  their  national  flag,  have 
been  torn  from  their  country,  and  from  every  thing 
dtar^othem;  have  been  dragged  oti  board  ships  ol 
war  t  a  fu.eign  nation,  and  exposed  under  the  sever- 
ities of  their  disciplin  ,  to  he  exiled  to  the  most  dis- 
tant and  deadly  climes,  to  risk  their  lives  in  the  bat- 
tles of  their  oppressors,  and  to  be  the  melancholy  in- 
struments of  taking  away  those  of  their  own  brethren. 

Aiiainst  this  crying  enormity,  which  Great-Britain 
would  be  so  prompt  to  avenge  if  committed  against 
herself,  the  Ignited  .Slaves  have  in  vain  exhausted  re- 
monstrances and  expostulations.     And  that  no  proof! 
m'ghl  be  wanting  of  their  conciliatory   dispositions,! 
and  no  pretext  left  for  the  continuance  of  the  practice,  j 


the  Briti 
readines 
uients,  SI 
of  Brilisl 
The  com 
Britisli 
violating 
liover  ovi 
comn»erc 
have  add< 
harbors ; 
\vithin  the 
Thepriiic 
a  neutral  i 
ents  hovei 
commerce 
the  less,  by 
ofiences  co 
went  has  I 
marks  of  h 
Under  p 
ofaaadeqi 
ticability 
plundered 
try  have  b 
and  a  desti 
maritime  i 
*ory  measul 
from  the 
effect  be  in 
important 
pursued 
these  mookl 
forced  in  t. 
British  gov 
a^  h^gal  bloi 
tnally  inves] 
sels  bound 
Not  conti 
laying  wasti 


'A  :^ 


HISTORY   OF   THE   WAR. 


m 


satc- 
hiwe 
thing 

hips  ot 
sever- 

>st  iVis- 
\e  bat- 

loly  iiv 

ethren. 

-Britain 
against 
stetl  re- 

lo  \n'cn)\ 
osilions, 
practice. 


the  British  government  was  formally  assured  of  the 
readiness  of  the  United  States  \o  enter  into  arrange- 
ments, such  as  could  not  be  rejected,  if  the  recovery 
of  British  subjects  were  the  real  and  the  sole  object. 
The  cnmnuinication  passed  without  effect. 

British  cruizers  have  been  in  the  practice  also  of 
violatin«^  the  rights  and  the  peace  of  our  coasts.  'Viiey 
Iiover  over  and  harrass  our  entering' and  departing 
commerce.  To  the  most  insulting-  pretensions  they 
have  added  the  most  lawless  proceedings  in  our  very 
harbors ;  and  have  wautonly  spilt  American  blood 
within  the  sanctuary  of  our  territorial  jurisdiction. 
The  principles  and  rules  enforced  by  that  nation,  when 
a  neutral  nation,  against  armed  vessels  of  belliger- 
ents hovering  near  her  coasts,  and  disturbing  her 
conuuerce  are  well  known.  When  called  on  never- 
theless, by  the  United  States  to  punish  the  greater 
ofi'ences  committed  by  her  own  vessels,  her  govern- 
ment has  bestowed  on  their  commanders  additional 
marks  of  lu>nor  and  contidence. 

Under  pretended  blockades,  without  the  presence 
of  aa  adequate  force,  and  sometimes  without  the  prac- 
ticability of  applying  one,  our  commerce  has  been 
plundered  in  every  sea  :  the  great  staples  of  our  coun- 
try have  been  cut  off  from  their  legitimate  markets; 
and  a  destructive  blow  aimed  at  our  agricultural  and 
maritime  ittterests.  In  aggravation  of  these  preda- 
tory measures,  they  have  been  considered  as  in  force 
from  the  dates  ot  their  notification  ;  a  retrospective 
effect  being  thus  added,  as  has  been  done  in  other 
important  cases,  to  the  unlawfulness  of  the  course 
pursued.  And  to  render  the  outrage  the  more  signal, 
these  mock  blockades  have  been  reiterated  and  en- 
forced in  the  face  of  official  comnuniications  from  the 
British  government  declaring  as  the  true  definition  of 
a  legal  blockade,  •  that  particular  ports  must  be  ac- 
tually invested,  vuid  previous  warning  given  to  ves- 
sels bound  to  them,  not  to  enter.' 

Not  content  with  these  occasional  expe<lients  for 
laying  waste  our  neutral   trade,  the  cabinet  of  Givai. 


!  '  ,1 .  4 


Hi 


ll 


'■jii!K.a>(iv<)!l 


88 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


Britain  resorted,  at  length  to  the  sweeping*  system  of 
blockades,  under  the  name  of  the  Orders  in  Council, 
which  has  been  moulded  and  managed,  as  might  best 
suit  its  political  views,  its  commercial  jealousies,  or 
the  avidity  of  British  cruizers. 

To  our  remonstrances  against  the  complicated  and 
transcendent  injustice  of  this  innovation,  the  tirst  re- 
ply was  that  the  Orders  were  reluctantly  adopted  by 
Great-Britain  as  a  necessary  retaliation  on  Decrees 
of  her  enemy  proclaiming  a  general  blockade  of  the 
British  isles,  at  a  time  when  the  naval  force  of  that 
enemy  dared  not  to  issue  fromhisown  ports.  She  was 
reminded,  without  effect,  that  her  own  prior  blockade, 
unsupported  by  an  adequate  naval  force  actually  ap- 
plied and  continued,  were  a  bar  to  this  plea :  that  ex^ 
ecuted  Edicts  agamst  millions  of  our  property  could 
not  be  retaliation  on  Edicts  confessedly  impossible 
to  be  executed  :  that  retaliation,  to  be  just,  should 
fall  on  the  party  setting  the  guilty  example,  not  on  an 
innocent  party,  which  was  not  even  chargeable  with 
^n  acquiescence  in  it. 

When  deprived  of  this  f^imsey  veil  for  a  prohibi- 
tion of  our  trade  with  her  enemy,  by  the  repeal  of  his 
prohibition  of  our  trade  with  Great-Britain,  her  cabi- 
net, instead  of  a  corresponding  repeal  or  a  practical 
discontinuance  of  its  Orders,  formally  avowed  a  de- 
termination to  persist  in  them  against  the  United 
States,  until  the  markets  of  her  enemy  should  be  laid 
open  to  British  products;  thus  asserting  an  obligation 
on  a  neutral  power  to  require  one  belligerent  to  en- 
courage, by  its  internal  regulations,  the  trade  of 
another  belligerent  j  contradicting  her  own  practice 
towards  all  nations  in  peace  as  well  as  in  war;  and 
betraying  the  insincerity  of  those  professions  which 
inculcnted  a  belief  that,  having  resorted  to  her  Or- 
ders with  regret,  she  was  anxious  to  iiiid  an  occa- 
sion for  pirtting  an  end  to  them. 

Abandoning  still  more,  all  respect  for  the  neutral 
rights  of  the  Dnited  StatoN,  and  for  its  own  consisten- 
cy, the  British  ^'ovcrnnH'nt  now  demands  as  pre-re- 


2uisites  to  a 
TnitedStat 
the  repeal  i 
to  their  terra 
»nd  that  th 
portion  of  tb 
torial  jurisd 
the  high  ses 
States,  sliou 
tionto  the  t 
whatever  nei 
be  affected  b 
insult,  they 
condition  ar 
government, 
from  having 
official  e'xpla 
the  world,  ar 
minister  at  ] 
foreign  affair 
and  emphatic 
It  has  beco 
commerce  of 
as  interfering 
Britain,  not  a 
which  she  hei 
the  raonoply 
nnd  navigati( 
lawful  commt 
carry  on  acoi 
polluted  by  tl 
the  most  part 
ceed. 

Anxious  to 
last  resort  of  i 
withheld  from 
ficalions,  the  I 
market,  tlie  lo 
profits  accruin 
with  other  nat 


HISTOKY  OF  THE  WAR. 


80 


?uisites  to  a  repeal  of  its  Ordera,  as  they  relate  to  the 
Inited  States,  that  a  formality  should  be  observed  io 
the  repeal  of  the  French  Decrees  nowise  necessary 
to  their  termination,  nor  exemplified  by  British  usage ; 
iind  that  the  French  repeal,  besides  including  thnt 
portion  of  the  Decrees  which  operates  within  a  terri- 
torial jurisdiction  as  well  as  that  which  operates  on 
the  high  seas  against  the  commerce  of  the  United 
States,  should  not  be  a  single  special  repeal  in  rela- 
tion to  the  United  States,  but  should  bo  extended  to 
whatever  neutral  nations  unconnected  with  tliem  may 
be  aifect^d  by  those  Decrees.  And  as  an  additional 
insult,  they  are  called  on  for  a  formal  disavowal  of 
condition  and  pretensions  advanced  by  the  French 
government,  for  which  the  United  States  are  so  far 
from  having  made  themselves  res[)onsible,  that,  in 
official  i&'xplanations,  which  have  been  published  to 
the  world,  and  in  a  correspondence,  of  the  American 
minister  at  London,  with  the  British  minister  for 
foreign  aflairs,  such  a  responsibility  was  explicitly 
and  emphatically  disclaimed. 

It  has  become  indeed  sufficiently  certain  that  the 
commerce  of  the  United  States  is  to  be  sacriticesd,  not 
as  interfering  with  the  belligerent  rights  of  Great- 
Britain,  not  as  supplying  the  wants  of  her  enemies, 
which  she  herself  supplies,  but  as  interfering  with 
the  raonoply  which  she  covets  for  her  own  commerce 
and  navigation.  She  carries  on  a  war  against  the 
lawful  commerce  of  a  friend,  that  she  n'uy  the  better 
carry  on  a  commerce  with  an  enemy,  a  commerce, 
polluted  by  the  forgeries  and  perjuries  which  are  for 
the  most  part  the  only  passports  l^y  which  it  can  suc- 
ceed. '■■''■ 

Anxious  to  make  every  experiment  short  of  the 
last  resort  of  injured  nations,  the  United  States  have 
withheld  from  Great-Britain,  under  successive  modi- 
fications, the  benefits  of  a  free  intercourse  with  their 
market,  tlie  loss  of  which  could  not  but  outweigh  the 
profits  accruing  from  her  restrictions  of  our  commerce 
with  oilier  nations.  And  to  entitle  Ihf  ko  rxpfi'tmcnts 
13 


:  'i 


''  *ft  l-i 


m 


uo 


UlbTOllY    or   TMK    WAM. 


lo  Ihe  uioi'c  I'avorable  consideruliou,  iliey  ueie  so 
Irumc'd  us  to  i-iiiiblo  her  to  |)l)K'e  hei  adversary  uiidtr 
the  exclusive  operation  of  tlieni.  To  these  appeals 
her  goveriiiiient  lias  been  equally  inflexible,  as  if  wil- 
ling to  make  sacrifices  of  every  sort,  rather  than 
yield  to  ihe  claims  of  justice,  or  renounce  the  errors 
of  a  false  pride.  Nay,  so  far  were  the  nttempls  car- 
ried, to  overcome  the  attachment  of  the  British  cabi- 
net to  its-  unjust  £dict8,  that  it  received  every  en- 
couragement, within  the  competency  of  the  Execu- 
tive branch  of  our  government,  to  expect  that  a  re- 
peal of  them  would  De  followed  by  a  war  between  the 
United  Stales  and  France,  unless  the  French  Edicts 
should  also  be  repealed.  Even  this  communication, 
although  silencing'  for  ever  the  plea  of  a  disposition 
in  the  Ignited  States  lo  acquiece  in  those  Edicts,  ori- 
ginally tlie  sole  plea  for  them,  received  no  attention. 
If  no  other  proof  existed  of  a  predetermination  of  the 
British  government  against  a  repeal  of  its  Orders,  it 
luiglit  be  found  in  the  correspondence  of  the  Mmis- 
tt'i  Plenipotentiary  of  the  United  Stales  at  London, 
and  the  British  Secretary  for  Foreign  Aftairsin  1810, 
on  the  question  whether  the  blockade  of  May,  180(>, 
\vas  considered  as  in  force,  or  as  not  in  force.  It  had 
been  ascertained  that  the  French  government,  which 
urged  this  blockade  as  the  ground  of  its  Berlin  De- 
cree, was  wdhng,  in  the  event  of  its  removal,  lo  repeal 
that  Decree  |  which  being  followed  by  alternate  re- 
peals of  the  other  offensive  Edicts,  might  abolish  the 
whole  system  on  both  sides.  This  inviting  oportuni- 
ly  for  accomplishing  an  object  so  important  to  tlit 
United  States^  and  professed  so  often  to  be  the  desire 
of  both  the  belligerents,  was  made  known  to  the  Bri- 
tish government.  As  that  government  admits  that  an 
actual  application  of  an  adequate  force  is  necessary 
to  the  existence  of  a  legal  blockade  ;  and  it  was  no- 
torious, that  if  such  a  force  had  ever  been  applied,  its 
long  discontinuance  had  annulled  the  blockade  in 
qu(  stion,  there  could  be  no  siifiicient  objection  on  the 
part  of  Great-Britain  to  a  formal  revocation  of  it ; 


and  no  imn 

iuct  that  th< 

tion  would 

principles  o 

United  Stal 

peal  of  her 

case  the  wn; 

repeal  of  tlu 

in  which  cai 

tified  in  tun 

France.    1' 

neither  resci 

tence ;  nor  | 

affirmed  by 

contrary  by 

hended  in'tl 

were  compe 

ceedings. 

There  wa 

the  policy  ot 

asestablishei 

Britannic  M 

the  diflferenc 

harmony  of 

accepted  wit 

ponding  will 

ment.     A  fc 

and  lastinof  r 

quickly  vani 

vowed  by  tli( 

nation  which 

the  disavows 

the  commerr 

States.     An( 

\ery  momen 

the  lansfuaofe 

ni  the  sinceri 

charged,  a  st 

ployed  in  inti 

sion  of  our  g( 

hajipy  ITnioi 


HISTORY   OF   THE   MAR. 


Dl 


'.md  no  imaginable  objeclion  to  a  Ucclnration  of  l1i(> 
iuct  that  the  bluckuile  did  not  cKiHt.  The  declara- 
tion would  have  been  consistent  with  her  avowed 
principles  of  blockade,  and  would  liavt;  cnablod  the 
United  States  to  demand  from  Franco  tlio  pledged  re- 
peal of  her  Decrees;  either  with  success,  in  whicU 
case  the  way  would  have  been  opened  tor  :  noral 
repeal  of  the  bcllig^creat  Edicts;  or  withm  ncceAii, 
in  which  case  tho  United  States  would  liu\ 
tilled  in  turning  their  measures  exclusiv* 
France.  The  British  government  would 
neither  rescind  the  blockade  nor  declare  its  non-exis- 
tence ;  nor  permit  its  non-existenco  to  be  inferred  and 
ntiirmed  by  the  American  Plenipotentiary.  On  the 
contrary  by  representing  the  blockade  to  be  compre- 
hended in  the  Orders  in  Council,  the  United  States 
were  compelled  so  to  regard  it  in  their  subsequent  pro- 
ceedings. 

There  was  a  period  when  a  favorable  change  in 
the  policy  of  the  British  cabinet  was  juiitly  considered 
as  established.  The  minister  Plenipotentiary  of  his 
Britannic  Majesty  here  proposed  an  adjustment  of 
the  differences  more  immediately  endangering  i\w 
harmony  of  the  two  countries.  Tno  proposition  M'as 
accepted  with  a  promptitude  and  cordiality  corres- 
ponding with  the  invariable  professions  of  this  govern- 
ment. A  foundation  appeared  to  be  laid  for  a  sincere 
and  lasting  reconciliation. — The  prospect,  however, 
quickly  vanished.  The  whole  proceeding  was  disa- 
vowed by  the  British  government  without  any  expla- 
nation which  could  at  that  time  repress  the  belief,  that 
the  disavowal  proceeded  from  a  spirit  of  hostility  to 
the  commercial  rights  and  prosperity  of  the  United 
States.  And  it  has  since  come  into  proof,  that  at  the 
lery  moment  when  the  public  minister  was  holding 
the  language  of  friendship,  and  inspiring  confidence 
in  the  sincerity  of  the  negociation  with  which  he  was 
charged,  a  secret  agent  of  his  government  was  em- 
ployed in  intrigues,  having  for  their  object  a  subver- 
sion of  our  government,  and  a  dismemberment  of  oui 
happy  Union. 


(  . 


W;\ 


> 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


1.1 


■a&12.8 

u  114 


US 


IM 


12.0 


P  III  u  ^ 

^ 

^«  

► 

dS^ 


7 


^. 


V 


Sciences 
Corporation 


JV 


^. 


<<^ 


^. 


<i^^^ 


'^ 


23  VMBT  MAIN  STMfT 

WIISTn,N.Y.  14SM 

(71«)172-4S03 


It  if 


( 


mi  HISTORY  OF  THE  W^R. 

In  reviewing  the  conduct  of  Great-Bi-ilaq  towards 
the  United  States,  our  attention  is  necessarily  drawn  to 
the  warfare  just  renewed  by  the  savages  on  one  of  our 
extensive  frontiers ;  a  warfare  which  is  known  to  spare 
neither  age  nor  sex,  and  to  be  distinguished  by  fea- 
tures peculiarly  shocking  to  humanity.  It  is  difficult 
to  account  for  the  activity  and  combinations  which 
have  for  some  time  been  developing  themselves  among 
the  tribes  in  constant  intercourse  with  British  traders 
and  garrisons,  without  connecting  their  hostility  with 
that  influence ;  and  without  recollecting  the  authenti- 
cated examples  of  such  interpositions  heretofore  furn- 
ished by  the  officers  and  agents  of  that  government. 

Such  is  the  spectacle  of  injuries  and  indignities 
which  have  been  heaped  on  our  country  ;  and  such  the 
crisis  which  its  unexampled  forbearance  and  concili- 
atory efibiis  have  not  been  able  to  avert.  It  might  at 
ieast  have  been  expected,  that  an  enlightened  nation*, 
if  less  urg^d  by  moral  obligations,  or  invited  by  friend- 
ly dispositions  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  would 
have  found  in  its  true  interest  alone  a  sufficient  motive 
to  respect  their  rights  and  theirtranquLlity  on  the  high 
seas  ;  that  an  enlarged  policy  would  have  favored 
that  free  and  general  circulation  of  commerce,  in 
which  the  British  nation  is  at  all  times  interested,  and 
which  in  times  of  war  is  the  best  alleviation  of  its  ca- 
lamities to  herself,  as  well  as  to  other  belligerents; 
and  more  especially  that  the  British  cabinet  would 
not,  for  the  sake  of  a  precarious  and  surreptitious  in- 
tercourse with  hostile  markets,  have  persevered  in  a 
course  of  meausures  which  necessarily  put  at  hazard 
the  invaluable  market  of  a  great  and  growing  coun- 
try, disjiosed  to  cultivate  ^e  mutual  advantages  of  an 
active  commerce. 

Other  Councils  have  prevailed.  Our  moderation 
and  conciliation  have  had  no  other  effect  than  to  en- 
courage perseverance,  and  to  enlarge  pretetisiuns. 
We  behold  our  seafarmg  ciUzens  still  the  daily  vic- 
tims of  lawless  violence  committed  on  the  great  com- 
mon highway  of  nations,   e\tn  within  higlit  of  the 


h         I 


■1^ 


HISTOKY  or  JHB  WAR. 


9d 


country  whidi  oWes  them  prbtecUon.  We  behold 
car  vessels,  freighted  with  the  products  of  our  soil  and 
industry,  or  returning  with  the  proceeds  of  them, 
wrested  from  their  lawful  destinations,  confiscated  by 
prize  conrts  no  longer  the  organs  of  public  law,  but 
the  instruments  of  arbitrary  Edicts ;  and  their  unfor- 
tunate crews  di^rsed  and  lost,  or  forced  or  inveigled 
in  British  ports  into  British  fleets ;  whilst  argu- 
ments are  employed,  in  snpport  of  these  aggpressions, 
which  have  no  roundation  but  in  a  principle  equally 
supporting  a  claim  to  regulate  our  external  com- 
merce in  all  cases  whatsoever. 

We  behold,  in  fine,  on  the  side  of  Great-Britain,  a 
state  of  war  against  the  United  States,  and  on  the  side 
of  the  United  States  a  state  of  peace  towards  Great- 
Britain. 

Whether  the  United  States  shall  continue  passive 
under  these  progressive  usurpasions,  and  these  accu- 
mulating wrongs ;  or  opposing  force  to  force  in  de- 
fence of  their  natural  rights  shall  commit  a  just  cause 
into  the  hands  of  the  Almighty  disposer  of  events ; 
avoiding  all  connections  which  might  entangle  it  i^ 
the  contests  or  views  of  other  powers,  and  preserving- 
a  constant  readiness  to  concur  in  an  honorable  re-es- 
tablishment of  peace  and  friendship,  is  a  solemn  ques- 
tion, which  the  constitution  >^isely  confides  to  the 
legislative  Dep$rtment  of  the  government.  In  recom- 
mending it  to  their  early  deliberations,  I  am  happy 
in  the  assurance  that  the  descision  will  be  worthy  the 
enlightened  and  patriotic  Councils  of  a  Virtuous,  a 
free,  and  a  powerml  nation.  ' 

Having  presented  this  view  of  the  relations  of  the 
U.  States  with  Great-Britain  and  of  the  solemn  alterna- 
tive growing  out  of  them,  I  proceed  to  remark  tliat  the 
communications  last  made  to  Congress  on  the  subject  of 
our  relations  with  France  will  have  shown  that  since 
the  revocation  of  her  Debrees  as  they  violated  the 
neutral  rights  of  the  United  States,  her  government 
has  authorised  illegal  captures,  by  its  privateers  und 
public  ships,  und  tliat  other  outrages  have  been  prac- 


,  1  ' 


fi 


^m ' ' 


\  1. 


I  h 


1 


«>  -1 


ft        jl      i  -■    Jiy=i«    4    . 


Ul 


'mi 


■J 


1  "■ 

1|^ 


i! 


?11 


94 


HISTORY  or  THB  WAU.  ^  i 


tised  on  our  vessels  and  citizens.  It  will  have  been 
seen  also,  that  no  indemnity  had  been  provided,  or 
satisfactorily  pledged,  for  the  extensive  spoliations 
committed  under  the  violent  and  retrospective  orders 
of  the  French  government  against  the  property  of  our 
citizens  seized  within  the  jurisdiction  of  FraVtce.  I 
abstain  at  this  time  from  recommending  to  the  consid- 
eration of  Congress  definitive  measures  with  respect 
to  that  nation,  in  the  expectation,  that  the  result  of  un- 
closed discussions  between  our  Minister  Denipoten- 
tiary  at  Paris  and  the  French  government  will  speed- 
ily enable  Congress  to  decide,  with  greater  advan- 
tage, on  the  course  due  to  the  rights,  the  interests, 
and  the  honor  of  our  country. 

JAMES  MADISON. 
Washington,  June  Ist,  1812.  ..,«,,„. 

...  ,  .  -  j»   .  ..I  '        .  iji ■*<(:. 

mEPORT  OF  THE  COM.  ON  FoREION   RELATIONS. 

Tfie  committee  on  Foreign  Relations  to  whom  was  re- 

JereeLthe  Message  of  the  President  of  the  United 

States  of  tite  Ut  of  June,  1812.    f«u^*f  i>»  <«*.  n^s^^.** 

REPORt— 

That  after  the  experience  which  the  United  St?>  " 
have  had  of  the  great  injustice  of  the  British  gov. 
ment  towards  them,  exemplified  by  so  many  acto  oi 
violence  and  oppression,  it  will  be  more  diflficiili  to  jus- 
tify to  the  impartial  world  their  patient  forbearance, 
than  the  measures  to  which  it  has  become  necessary 
to  resort,  to  avenge  the  wrongs,  and  vindicate  the 
rights  and'  honor  of  the  nation.  Your  committee  are 
happy  to  observe  on  a  dispassionate  review  of  the  con- 
duct of  the  United  States,  that  they  see  in  it  no  cause 
for  censure.  •^'^- 

If  a  long  forbearance  under  injuries  ought  ever  to 
be  considered  a  virtue  in  any  nation,  it  is  one  which 
peculiarly  becomes  the  United  States.  No  people 
ever  had  sti'onger  motives  to  cherish  peace — none 
have  ever  cherished  it  with  greater  sincerity  and  zeal 


:-^  ^ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


95 


U-ilM' 


fiut  the  period  has  now  arrived,  when  the  United 
States  must  support  their  character  and  station  among; 
the  nations  of  the  earth,  or  submit  to  the  most  shame* 
ful  deeradation.  Forbearance  has  ceased  to  be  a  Tir-^ 
tue.  War  on  the  one  side,  and  pe.v.^e  on  the  other,  is 
a  situation  as  ruinous  as  it  is  disgraceful.  The  mad 
ambition,  the  lust  of  power,  and  commercial  avarice 
of  Great-Britain,  arrogating  to  herself  the  complete 
dominion  of  the  ocean,  and  exercising  over  it  an  un- 
bounded and  lawless  tvraimy,  have  left  to  neutral  na- 
tions an  alternative  only,  between  the  base  surrender 
of  their  rights,  and  a  manly  vindication  of  them.  Hap- 
pily for  the  United  States,  their  destiny,  under  the  aid 
of  heaven,  is  in  their  own  hands.  The  crisis  is  formi- 
dable only  by  their  love  of  peace.  As  soon  as  it  be- 
comes a  duly  to  relinquish  that  situation,  danger  dis- 
appears. They  have  suffered  no  wrongs,  they  have  re- 
ceived no  iusuUs,  however  great,  for  which  they  can- 
not obtain  redress. 

More  than  seven  years  have  elapsed,  since  the 
commencement  of  this  system  of  hostile  aggress'ou  by 
the  British  government,  on  the  rghts  and  interests  of 
the  United  States.  The  manner  of  its  commence- 
ment was  not  less  hostile,  than  the  spirit  with  which 
it  has  been  prosecuted.  The  United  States  have  in- 
variably done  every  thing  in  their  power  to  preserve 
the  relations  of  friendship  with  GreatrBritain.  Of 
this  disposition  they  gave  a  distinguished  proof,  at 
the  moment  when  they  were  made  the  victims  of  uti 
opposite  policy.  The  wrongs  of  the  last  war  had 
not  been  forgotten  at  the  commencement  of  the  pre^ 
sent  one.  They  warned  us  of  dangers,  against  which 
11.  was  sought  to  provide.  As  early  as  the  year  1804, 
the  minister  of  the  United  States  at  London  was  in-: 
structed,  to  ii)vite  the  British  government  to  enter 
into  a  negociation  on  all  the  points  on  which  a  col- 
lision might  arise  between  the  two  countries,  in  the 
course  of  the  war,  and  to  propose  to  it  un  arrange- 
ment of  their  claims  on  fair  and  reasonable  condi- 
tions.    The  invitation  was  accepted.    A  negociation 


MlilH  ,      I 


1.^':  t 


I        ■ 


,l"<li  " 


!||   y 

1;^: 

■        '11    '■ 

V: 

I 

,1^ 


tl 

•  I 

1  i  ^1 


96 


Uii»TORY  OF  THE  WAll.^t 


i 


had  commenced  and  was  depending^,  and  nothing 
had  occurred  to  excite  a  doubt  that  it  would  not  ter- 
minate to  the  satisfaction  of  both  the  parties.  It  was 
at  this  time,  and  under  these  circumstances,  that  an 
attack  was  made,  by  surprise,  on  an  important  branch 
of  the  American  commerce,  which  affected  every 
part  of  the  United  States,  and  involved  many  of  their 
Citizens  in  ruin. 

The  commerce  on  which  this  attack  was  so  unex- 
pectedly made,  was  between  the  United  States  and 
the  colonies  of  France,  Spain,  and  other  enemies  of 
Great-Britain.  A  commerce  just  in  itself — sanction- 
ed by  the  example  of  Great-Britain  in  regard  to  the 
trade  with  her  own  colonies — sanctioned  by  a  sol- 
emn act  between  the  two  governments  in  the  last  war ; 
and  sanctioned  by  the  practice  of  the  British  govern- 
ment in  the  present  war,  more  than  two  yeara  hav- 
ingthen  elapsed,  without  any  interference  with  it. 

The  injustice  of  this  attack  could  only  be  equalled 
by  the  absurdity  of  the  pretext  ulledged  for  it.  It 
Avas  pretended  by  the  British  government,  that  in 
case  of  war,  her  enemy  had  no  right  to  modify  its 
colonial  regulations,  so  as  to  mitigate  the  calamities 
;-)f  war  to  the  inhabitants  of  its  colonies.  This  pre- 
tension, peculiar  to  Great-Britain,  is  utterly  incom- 
patible with  the  right  of  sovereignty,  in  every  inde- 
pendatit  state.  If  we  recur  to  the  well  established 
and  universally  admitted  law  of  nations,  we  shall  find 
no  sanction  to  it,  in  that  venerable  code.  The  sove- 
leiguly  of  evei-y  state  is  co-extensive wilh  its  domin- 
ions, andoannot  be  abrogated,  or  curtailed  in  its  rights, 
as  to  any  part,  except  by  conquest.  Neutral  nations 
have  a  right  to  trade  to  every  port  of  eitlier  belliger- 
ent, which  is  not  legally  blockaded — and  in  all  arti- 
cles which  are  not  contraband  of  war.  Such  is  the 
absm-diiy  of  this  pretension,  that  your  committee  are 
:\warc,  especially  after  the  able  manner  in  which  it 
lias  been  heretofore  refuted,  and  exposed,  that  they 
would  oiler  an  insult  to  the'  understanding  of  the 
Motive,  if  they  enlarged  on  it,  and  if  any  thing  could 


add  to  the 

governm< 

trasfc  whif 

trade,  am 

with  her  <) 

Great-Bri 

peace,  at 

her  intere 

her  coloni 

H  never  w 

it — Or  that 

ation  viola 

with  Grea 

a  trade  wij 

•wrong.    } 

In[the  y( 

govemme! 

which  had 

That  difi'ei 

ed.    The 

made  to  tl 

had  sniTerc 

rangement 

Britisli  gov 

again  distu 

Had  the 

test  this  tra 

aoter  of  the 

made  knov 

Tbe^xistei 

vited  by  6u 

ing  diAierer 

respective  f 

tification,  w 

it.   Butavi 

net  of  £ngl 

ly  overhirei 

tngeof  toe 

inflexibly  fa 

mentoalmh 


■  ^ 

iNif 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAK. 


97 


add  lo  the  hig4i  sense  of  the  injustice  of  the  Britrth 
gfovernaient  In  the  transaction^  it  would  be  the  con- 
trast whioh  her  conduct  exhibits  in  regard  to  this 
trade,  and  in  regard  to  «  sin>ilar  trade  by  neutrals 
with  her  <>iMrn  colonies.  It  is  known  to  the  world,  that 
Great-Britain  regulates  Her  own  trade,  in  war  and  in 

Eeace,  at  home  ond  in  her  colohies,  as  she  finds  for 
er  interest — that  in  war  she  relaxes  the  restraints  of 
lier  colonial  system  in  favor  of  the  colonjes,  aiid  that 
H  never  was  suggested  that  she  had  not  k  right  to  do 
it — Or  that  a  neutral  in  taking  advantage  of  the  relax- 
ation violated  a  belligerent  right  of  her  enemy — But 
with  Great-Britain  every  thing  is  lawful.  It  is  only  iu 
a  trade  with  her  enemies  that  the  (Jnited  States  can  do 
Nvrong.    With  them  all  trade  is  unlawful. 

In[theye6r  ]70d,  an  attack  was  made  by  the  British 
government  on  the  same  branch  of  our  neutral  trade, 
which  had  nearly  involved  the  two  countries  in  war. 
That  difierence  however,  was  amicably  accommodat- 
ed. The  pretension  was  withdrawn,  and  reparation 
made  to  the  United  States/ for  the  losses  which  they 
had  suflPered  by  it  It  was  fair  to  infer  from  that  ar- 
rangettient,  that  the  commerce  was  deemed  by  the 
Britisli  government  lawful,  and  that  it  would  not  be 
again  disturbed,    -j*  ,m(|*)«>q  hamn!  '^i.a/  9<m 

Had  the  British  governmenV  been  resolved  to  con^ 
test  this  trade  with  neutrals,  it  was  due  to  the  char- 
acter of  the  British  nation  tliat  the  decision  should  be 
made  known  to  the  government  of  the  United  States. 
The  existence  of  a  negociation  which  had  been  in^ 
vited  by  Our  goviernmentt  for  the  purpose  of  prevent- 
ing differences  by  an  amicable  arrangement  of  theii' 
respective  pretensions,  gav«  a  strong  claim  to  the  no- 
tification, while  it  a^orded  the  fairest  opportunity  for 
it.  But  a  veryi  difierent  policy  animated  the  then  cabi- 
net of  £ngland'.  The  liberal  confidence  and  friend- 
ly overtJures  of  the  United  States  were  taken  advan- 
tage of  to  enanqire  them.  Steady  to  its  purpose,  and 
inflexibly  hostile  to, this  country,  the  British  govern- 
mentcalmlV  looked  forward  to  the  moment,  when  it 


\ 

a-i,} 


:  1  I 

ir. 

]     il 


J  y  I 


k 


I.'.i 


98 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


i 


i 


■  \ 


might  give  the  most  deadly  wound  to  our  interests. 
A  trade  just  in  itself,  which  was  secured  by  so  many 
strong  and  sacred  pledges^  was  considered  safe.-^ 
Our  citizens  with  their  usual  industry  and  enteiprise 
had  embarked  in  it  a  vast  proportion  of  their  ship- 
ping, and  of  their  capital,  which  were  at  sea,  under 
no  other  protection  than  the  law  of  nations,  and  the 
confidence  which  they  reposed  in  the  justice  and 
friendship  of  the  British  nation.     At  this  period  the 
unexpected  blow  was  given. :  Many  of  our  vessels 
were  seiaed,  carried  into  port  and  cxmdemned  by  a 
tribunal,  which,  while  it  professes  to  respect  the  law  of 
nations,  obeys  the  mandates  of  its  own  government. 
Hundreds  of  other   vessels  were  driven  from  the 
ocean,  and  Jtrade  itself  in  a  great  measure  suppressed. 
The  dfoct  produced  by  this  attack  on  the  lawful  com- 
merce of  the  United  States  was  such  as  might  have 
been  expected  from  a  virtuous,  independent,  and 
highly  injured  people.    But  one  sentiment  pervaded 
the  whole  American  nation.    No  local  interests  were 
regarded — ^no  sordid  motives  felt.     Without  looking 
to  the  parts  which  suffered  most,  the  invasion  of  our 
rights  was  considered  a  common  cause,,  and  from 
one  extremity  of  our  Union  to  the  other,  was  heard, 
the  voice  of  an  united  people,  calling  on  their  gov- 
ernment to  avenge  their  wrongs  and  vindicate  the 
rights  and  honor  of  the  country.     U'U'  iiitiv.  m»Ui:-a'  > 

From  this  period  the  British  govemiMent  has  gone 
on  in  A  continued  encroachment  «m  the  rights  and  in- 
terest of  the  United  States,  disregarding^  in  its'course, 
in  many  induces,  obligations  which  have  heretofore 
been -held  sacred  by  civilized  nations. 

In  May«  1806,  the  whole  coast  of  the  continent, 
from  the  Elbe  to  Brest  inclusive,  was  declared  to  be 
in  a  state  of>  blockade.  By  this  act,  the  well  estab- 
lished principles  of  the  law  of  ntUions,  principles 
which  have  served  fur  ages  as  guides,  and  fixed  the 
bouitdary  between  the  rights  of  belligerents  and  neu- 
trals, were  violated ;  by  the  law  ot  riatwons,  as  re- 
icognized  by  Great-Britain  herself^  no  blockade  is 


necessary 
be  knowi 
evident 
which, 
the  coast 
and  rigoi 
lire  is  no 
force  was 
from  wha 
bellfgerei 
itself  fron 
any  prete; 
blockade, 
refinemen 
standing  { 
claim  mei 
party  eith( 
eni  to  iofl 
on  neutral 
remaric,  tl 
not.appeaj 
it  has  beei 
the  circun 
cularly  th 
who  annoi 
ceiyedin  t 
to  an  a<)c<i 
United  St 
pointed  th 
servieni;  tQ 
successors 
tiou,  wbi^ 
copamercc 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAK. 


du 


lawful,  unless  it  be  sustained  by  the  applicntioii  of  an 
adequate  forcet  and  that  an  adequate  force  wan  ap* 
plied  to  this  blockade,  in  its  full  extent,  ought  not 
U>  be  pretended.    Whether  Great-Brituin  was  able  to 
maintaio^  leffally,  so  extensive  a  blockade,  consider- 
ing the  war  in  which  she  is  engaged,  requiring  such 
extensive  naval  operations,  is  a  question  which  is  not 
necessary  at  this  time  to,  examine.     It  is  sufficient  to 
be  known,  that  such  force  was  not  applied,  and  %his  is 
evident  from  the  terms  of  the  blockade  itselt'^   by 
which,  comparatively,  an  inconsiderable  portion  of 
the  coast  only  was  declared  to  be  in  a  state  of  strict 
anxl  rigorous  blockade.    The  objection  to  the  meas- 
ure is  not  diminished  by  that  circumstance.    If  the 
force  was  not  applied,  the  blockade  was  unlawful, 
from  whatever  cause  the  failure  might  proceed.   The 
be|l|gereilt  who  institutes  tha  blockade  cannot  absolve 
itself  from  the  obligation  tO:  apply  the  force  under 
any  pretext  whatever.    For  a  belligerent  to  relax  a 
blockade,  which  it  could  not  maintain,  it  would  be. a 
refinement  in  injustice  not  less  insulting  to  the  under- 
standing than  repugnant  to  the  law  ot  nations.    To 
claim  merit  for  the  mitigation  of  an  evil,  which  the 
party  either  had  not  the  power  or  found  it  inconveni- 
ent to  inflict,  would  be  a  new  mode  of  encroaching 
on  neutral  rights.    Your  committee  think  it  just  to 
remark,  that  this  act  of  the  British  government  does 
not.appear  to  have  been  adopted  in  Qie  sense  in  which 
it  has  beea  since  construed.    On  consideration  of  all 
the  circumstances  attending  the  measure,  and  parti- 
cularly the  ^  character  of  the;  distinguished  statesman 
who  announced  it,  we  are  persuaded  that  it  was  con-* 
ceiyedin  a.  spirit  of  conciliation,  and  intended  to  lead 
to  an  a<)comniodation  of  all  differences  between  the 
Umted  States  and  Great-Britain.    His  death  dbap- 
pointed  that  hope,  and  the  act  has  since  become  sub- 
servient to  other  purposes, .    It  has  been  made  by  his 
successors  a  pretext  for  that  vast  system  of  usurpa* 
tiou,  which  has  so  long  oppressed  and,  htirrassed  our 


copanierce. 


!j    roi 


.yi  '■:■.nz^^  r:!;  a  i.^j 


I      1 


it 


li  J 


5  ^' ' 
1' 

>         t    I             1             1 

'      nil 

r  '''^ 

1                   :''         I 

1  '  I  :•> 

udJi/i 

II 


il 


100 


HISTORY  OF  THE   Willi.- 


m\'  ^ 


(;: 


The  next  act  of  the  British  §foverniuent  which 
claims  our  attention  is  the  Orders  in  Council  of  Jan. 
7,  1807,  by  which  neutral  powers  are  prohibited  tra- 
ding from  one  port  to  anotner  of  Prance  or  her  allies, 
or  any  other  country  with  which  Great-Britain  mitfht 
not  freely  trade.  By  this  order  the  uretenMion  of 
Eno-land,  heretofore  claimed  by  every  otner  powefi  to 
prohibit  neutrals  disposing  of  parts  of  their  cargoes 
at  different  ports  of  the  same  enemy,  is  revi>>ed  and 
with  vast  accumulation  of  injury.  Every  enemy,  howe- 
great  the  number  or  distance  from  each  other,  is  con- 
sidered one,  and  the  like  trade  even  with  powers  at 
peace  with  England,  who  from  motives  of  fvolicy  had 
excluded  or  restrained  Her  commerce,  was  abo  pro- 
hibited. In  this  act  the  British  government  evident- 
ly disclaimed  all  regard  for  neutral  ri  gilts.  Aware 
that  the  measures  authorised  by  itcOHM'find  no  pre- 
text in  any  belligerent  right,  none  wtrs  urged.  To 
prohibit  the  sale  of  our  produce,  consisting  ot  innocent 
articles  at  any  port  of  a  belligerent,  not  blockaded,  to 
consider  every  belligerent  as  one,  aAd  tinbject  neu- 
trals to  the  same  restraint  with  all,  as  if  there  was 
but  one,  were  held  encroachments.  But  t'o^rtestrain 
or  in  any  manner  interfere  with  our  cnmtne^ce  with 
neutral  nations  with  whom  Great-Britaiti  wasikk  peace, 
and  against  whom  she  had' no  justitiable  cause  of  war, 
for  the  sole  reason,  that  they  restrained  or  excluded 
fronii  their  ports  her  commerce,  was  utterly 'incompat- 
ible wUih  the  pacific  relations  subsisting  between  tlie 
two  cdnntries.   ^  ■ 

We  proceed  to  bring  into  view  the  British  Order 
in  Council  of  November  l|th,  1807,  which  i»ipei*ced- 
ed  every  other  order,  and  consummated  that  svslem 
of  hostility  on  the  codamerce  of  the  United  ^ates 
which  has -been  since  so  citeftdily  p«irsaed<  By  this 
Order  all  France  and  her  allies  «nd  every  othler  <roan- 
try  at  war  with  Great-Britain,  or  with  which  she 
was  not  at*  war,  from  which  the  British  flag  was  ex- 
cluded, and  dll  the  colonies  of  her  enemies  were  «vb- 
jected  to  the  same  restrictions  as  if  they  were  actual- 


ly blockai 

and  ail  tn 

of  the  sail] 

gaged  in  j 

tion  aslaM 

wer«  madi 

werejiot  a 

were  dicta 

England,  i 

wereiiaid.1 

governmei 

It  wooU 

that  by  thi 

direct  and 

Th«  doQiii 

by  it,  all  c( 

from  it,  01 

which  did  n 

ment  by  ps 

tion.    Fro 

corredthel 

itons^    .Th 

outrelortin 

•  So  far  y< 

oftheHous 

ted  under  t 

the  4:ottimei 

proceed  tO' 

severely  fel 

our  seamen 

maintained 

has  heen  » 

mHtee  osunn 

whieh  th«y 

of  this  proci 

British  «eaii 

ported  anth< 

which  the  I: 

Briti^  men 

British  8ubj< 


'H 


UISTOaY  OF  THS  WAE. 


101 


ly  blockftded  in  Um  most  striet  and  rigorous  manner, 
and  all  trade  in  articles  the  produce  and  manofacture 
of  the  said  countries  and  colquies  and  the  vessels  en- 
gaged in  it  were  subjected  io  capture  and  condemna- 
tion as  lawful  prize.  To  this  oraer  certain  exceptions 
Mrera  made  which  we  forbear  to  notice  becaue  they 
wepejiot  adopted  from  a  regard  to  neutral,  rights,  but 
were  dictajlea  by  policy  to  promote  the  commerce  of 
£nglaiid,  and  so  tar  as  they  related,  to  neutral  powers, 
were  said,  to  emanate  (tofa  the  clemency  of  the  British 
governmonti'  >  A\  'iu  'iou... 

It  would  (be.  superfluous  in  your  committee  to  state, 
that  by  thiib'oirder 'the  British  government  declared 
direct  and  ^positive  war  against  the  United  States. 
The  doqiinoo  of  the  ocean  was  completely  usurped 
hy  it,  all  oommerce  forbidden,  and  every  flag  driven 
from  it»  or  Aubjeoted  to  capture  and  condemnation, 
which  did  not  subserve  the  policv  of  the  British  govern- 
ment by  paying  it  a  tribute  and  sailingunder  its  sanc- 
tion. From  ItUs  period  the  United  States  having  in«' 
corredthe  heaviest  losses  and  most  mortifying  hunilia- 
itonsv  >  'They  haiae  borne  the  calamities  of  war  withr* 
out  'retorting)  Aetti  on  its  authors. 
•  So  far  your  GommUtee  has  presented  to  the  view 
of  the  Housq  Ihei^fgressions  wkicli.have  been  eoa|init» 
ted  under  theMrtfabrity  of  the  'British  government  on 
the  eommeree  of  the  United-  States.  ■  We  will  iio Vr 
proceed  tO' other  wrongs  which  have  been  still  mora 
severely  felt.  Among  these  is  the  impressment  of 
our  seamen,  a  prabtice,  winch  Jias  been  unceasingly 
maintained  by  Great*Britain  in  the  warstd  which  she 
has  been  a  parly  since  our  revolution.  Ypuc  comr> 
m^tee  cannot  coii  vey  in  adequate  terms  the  deep  sense 
whioh  th^y  entertain  of  the  injustice  and  oppression 
of  this  proceeding.  Under  jJie  pretext  of  impressing 
Brilish^Mamen,  our  £sUow  citizens  are  seized  in  British 
ports^  on  the  high  seas,  and  in  every  other  quarter  to 
which  the  British  power  extends,  are  taken  on  board 
British  men  of  r^ar,  and  coqapelledto  serve  there  as 
British  suli^ccts.    In  ^s  mode  pur  citizens  are  wai)- 


■ 


1   I 


If 


\  f 


M 


ill  111, 


lli 


■j.H 


102 


uiyroRY  ov  tu£.  was. 


lii 


{. 


ioiiljr  uiAtohed  from  lh«ir  country  and  Uieir  familiet, 
deprived  of  their  liberty,  end  doomed  to  on  ignoaiin- 
ious  and  slaviih  buodage,  compelled  to  lighLtbe  batF- 
Uet  of  a  foreign  country,  and  often  to  pensb  in  them. 
Our  flpigbas  given  them  no  protection ;  it  luui  been 
unceasingly  violated,  and  our  venels  exposed  to  dan* 
ger  by  the  lots  of  the  men  taken  from  them.  Your 
committee  need  not  remark  that  while  the  uractice  is 
continued,  it  is  impossible  for  the  United  Slates  to 
consider  themselves  an  inde(iendenfc  uatioo.  £very 
new  case  is  a  new  proof  of  their  degradation.  Its 
continniince  is  the  more  unjustifiable,  because  the 
United  States  have  repeatedly,  proposed  to  the  British 
government  an  arrangement  which  would  secure  to 
it  the  control  of  its  own  people.  An  esemptton  of 
the  citizens  of  the  United  States  from  this  degrading 
oppression,  and  their  flag  from  violation,  is  all  thai 

they  have  sought. .    .      , 

■  This  lawless  waste  of  our  trade,  and  equally  unlaw- 
ful imppessment  of  our  seamen,  have  beea. much  .ag- 
fravatod  by  the  insults  and  indignities  attending  Ibem. 
Tnder  the  pretext  of  blockading  the  harbors  of  France 
and  her  allies,  British squadronsliave  been  stationed  on 
our  own  coast,  to  watch  and  anovy  our  own  trade. 
To  give  effect  to  the  blockade  of  European  ports, 
the  ports  and  harbors  of  the  United  Sitates  have  been 
blockaded.  In  executing  these  orders  of  the  British 
government,  or  in  .obeying  the  spirit  which  was 
known  to  animate  it,  the  commanders. of  these  squad- 
rons have  encroached  on  our  jurisdiction,  seized  our. 
vessels,  and  carried  into  effect  impressments  withiv 
oar  limits,  and  done  other  acts  of  great  injustice,  vio- 
lence, and  oppression^  The  United  States  have  iieen, 
with  mingled  indignation  and  surprise,  that  these 
acts^  instead  of  procuring  to  the  perpetrators  the  pan- 
ishment  due  to  unauthorised  crimes,  have  not  failed 
to  recommend  them  to.  the  favor  of  their  govern- 
ment.' iH>  ".  vi.-/-'  i'iti  r>mi*U>^>  •iirtiOit  ^pxy'-ikk. .'nh AM-i-S  < 
Whether  the  'Krttjsh  government  has  contributed 
by  active-measures  to  excite  against  us  the  hostility 


0  llie 
are  not' 
ing.  C 
supply  t 
these  br 
some  ini 
tish  hosli 
failed  t( 
those  tri 
occasion 
tions  of 
tish  COB 

Sirrisoni 
at  systc 
hosb^n 
ages,  sex 
manity. 

Your  < 
could  clo 
is  their  du 
lignity,  tl 
brought  ti 
•ur  Unio 
tion,  by  a 
foment  di 
constitute 
disclosed 
proof  thai 
British  g( 
act,  howe 
mit  to  ac 
the  greate 
made  whi 
at  peace,  \ 
between  tl 
ences,  thr< 
for  the  pu 
TheUnil 
bearance,i 
fin  their  ri 


A  ^' 


VlflVOmY  OV  TBB  WAB. 


JOS 


0^  Mn  MvtfBf  tribes  on  mir  frontrari,  yonr  committee 
are  not  disposed  to  occupy  mach  time  in  intettigat- 
\ng.  Certain  indicatioiui  of  general  notoriety  mmy 
supply  the  place  uf  aulhentic  documents;  though 
these  have  not  been  wanting  to  establish  the  feet  in 
some  instances.  It  is  known  that  symptoms  of  £ri- 
tish  hostility  towards  the  United  States,  have  never 
failed  to  produce  corresponding  symptoms  amonc^ 
those  tribes.  It  is  also  well  known,  that  on  all  such 
occasions,  abundant  supplies  of  the  ordinary  muni- 
tions of  war  have  beer  afforded  by  the  agents  of  Bri- 
tish commercial  compah!«f*:  and  even  from  Britisli 
Sirrisons,  wherewith  they  WvTc  enabled  to  commence 
at  system  of  savage  warfare  on  onr  frontiers,  which 
hosb^n  at  all  times  indiscriminate  in  its  effect,  on  all 
ages,  sexes  and  conditions,  and  so  revolting  to  hu- 
manity. 

Your  committee  would  be  much  gratified  if  .they 
could  close  here  the  detail  of  British  wrongs — but  it 
is  their  duty  to  i-ecite  another  act  of  still  greater  ma- 
lignity, than  any  of  those  which  have  been  already 
brought  to  your  view.  The  attempt  to  dismember 
our  Union,  and  overthrow  our  excellent  constitu- 
tion, by  a  secret  mission,  the  object  of  which  was  tp 
foment  discontent  and  excite  insurrection  against  the 
constituted  authorities  and  laws  of  the  nation,  as  lately 
disclosed  by  the  agent  employed  in  it,  affords  full 
proof  that  there  is  no  bound  to  the  hostility  of  the 
British  government  towards  the  United  8tate»-^no 
act,  however  unjustifiable,  which  it  would  not  com- 
mit to  accomplish  their  ruin.  This  attempt  excites 
the  greater  horror  from  the  consideration  that  it  was 
made  while  the  United  States  and  Great-Britain  wen: 
at  peace,  and  an  amicable  negocialiun  was  dependin$c 
between  them  for  the  accommodation  of  their  difier- 
ences,  through  public  ministers,  regularly  authorised 
for  the  purpose.  *^ )  t^)  i 

The  United  States  have  beheld,  with  unexampled  for- 
bearance,this  continued  seriesofliostileeiicroachmeiils 
an  their  rights  and  interests,  in  the  hope,  thnt,  yieUl- 


(    I 


l.il 


,r^j; 


'  i 


*% 


il'-!      i 


',li  «■ 

M 


left 


HISTOKY  X>9  THB  WAH. 


<ll 


ingto  the  force  of  friendly  rembntitr&nees,  diUn 
repeated,  the  British  goTeniiiieiitali|^adoi>t'ft.in«re 
ju^t  policy  towards  theiti;  but  that  hope  no 'longer 
exiftts.  They  hare  also  weighed  impartiaUy  'thi  rea* 
sons  whi<^h  have  been  orgfed  by  the  Britisfa  govern* 
me'ntin  vindication  of  these  encroachments,,  and  found 
in  them  neither  justification  or  apology.  :  uUti-Aji  ;!•  t 
The  British  government  has  alleged  in  yindif^tioh 
of  the  Oi-ders  in  Council  that  they  vrert  resorted  to  as 
a  retaliation  on  France,  for  similar  aggressions  com*- 
mitted  bvher  on  our  neutral  trade  with  the  .British 
dominions.  But  how  has  this  plea  been  supported  ? 
The  dates  of  British  and  French  aggressions  are 
well  known  to  the  world.  Their  origin  and  progress, 
have  been  marked  with  too  wide  and  destructive  a 
waste  of  the  property  of  our  fellow-citizens  to  have 
been  forgotten.  The  Decree  of  Berlin  of  November 
31st.  18U6,  was  the  first  aggression  of  France  in  the 
present  war.  Eighteen  months  had  then  elapsed,  af^ 
ter  the  attack  made  by  Great-Britain  on  our  neutral 
trade,  with  the  colonies  of  France  and  her  aHies,  apd 
six  months  froiii  the  date  of  the  proclamation  of  May, 
1806.  Even  on  the  7th  Jan.  1807,  the  date  of  the 
jfirst  British  Order  in  Coiintil,  so  short  a  term  had 
elapsed,  after  the  Belin  Decree,  that  it  was  hardly 
posible  tJiat  the  intelligence  of  it  should  have  reached 
the  United  States.  A  retaliation  which  is  to  pro* 
dnceits  effect,  by  operating  on  a  neutral  power  onght 
not  to  be  resorted  to,  till  the  netltnil  had  justified  it  by 
a  culpable  acquiescence  in  the  unlawful  act  of  the 
other  belligerent.  It  ought  to  be  delayed  until  after 
sufficient  time  had  been  allowed  to  the  nentral  toi*ef 
monstrate  against  the  measure  complained  of,  io  rep 
ceive  an  answer,  and  to  act  on  it,  winch  had  nut  been 
done  in  the  present  instance ;  and  when  th^  Order  of 
November  11th  was  issued,  it  is  well  known  tliat  a 
minis^ter  of  France  had  declared  to  the  minister  plen- 
ipotentiary of  the  United  States  at  Paris,  that  it  was 
not  intended  that  the  Decree  of  Berlin  should  apply 
to  the  United  States.     It  is  equally  well  known  that 


!t    ■•  ■ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WARt 


105 


na  American  vessel  had  then  been  condemned  under 
itv  or  seiesure  been  made,  with  which  the  British'  gov- 
ernment .was  acquainted.  The  focts  prove  incohtesti- 
bly,  that  the  measures  of  Fcance»  however  uhjustiiiable 
in  them|elves,  were  nothing  more  than  a  pretext  for 
those  of  England.  And  of  the  insufficiency  of  that  pre- 
text, ample -proof  has  already  been  afforded  by  the 
Pritishg>overnment  itself,  and  in  the  most  impressive 
form.  Although  Jt  was  declared  that  the  Orders  in 
Council  were  retaliatory  on  France  for  her  Decrees,  it 
was^ also  declared^  and. in  the  Orders  themselves,  that 
owingtothesuperiority  of  the  British  navy,  by  which 
the  fleets  of  France  and  her  allies  were  confined  with- 
in their  own  ports,  the  French  Decrees  were-  consider'* 
ed  only  as  empty  threats. 

It  is  no  justification  of  >  the  wrongs  of  one  power, 
that  the  like  were  committed  by  another  ;  nor  ought 
the  fact,  if  true,  to  have  been  urged  by  either,  as  it 
could  afford  no  proof  of  its  love  of  justice,  of  its 
magnanimity,  or  eveh  of  iUs  courage.  It  is  more 
worthy  the  government  of  a  great  natioh,  to  relieve 
than  to  assail  the  injured.  Nor  can  a  repetition  of  the 
wrongs  by.  another  power,  repair  the  violated  rights^ 
or  wounded  lionor,  of  the  injured  party.  An  utter 
inability  alone  to  resist,,  would  justify  a  quiet  surren- 
der of.  our  rights,  and  degrading  submission  to  the 
will  of  others.  To  that  condition  the  United  States 
are  not  reduced,  nor  do  they  fear  it.  That  they  ever 
consented  to  discuss  with  either  the  misconduct  of  the 
other,  is  a  proof  of  thdr  love  of  peace,  of  their 
moderation,  and  of  the  hope  which  they  still  indulg- 
ed, that  friendly  appeals  to  just  and  generous  senti- 
ments would  not  l)e  made  to  them  in  vain.  But  the 
motive  was  mistaken,  if  their  forbeurance  was  im- 
puted, either  to  the  want  of  a  just  sensibility  to  their 
wrongs,  or  of  a  determination,  if  suitable  redress  was 
not  obtained,  to  resent  them.  The  time  has  now  ar- 
rived when  this  system  of  reasoning  must  cease.  It 
would  be  insulting  to  repeat  it  It  would  be  degrad- 
ing to  hear  it.     The  United  Status  must  act  ns  an  in- 

14 


iiil!  H' 


r>9   ,  ,       ) 


>        I 


,   1 


.«' 


^r:il;i 


m 


i' 
1 


I       i 


im 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAK..(( 


^#i 


1p! 


dependent  nation,  and  assert  their  rights,  and  avenge 
their  wrongs,  according  to  their  own  entimale  of  them, 
with  the  party  who  commits  them,  holding  H  respiMi- 
sible  for  its  own  misdeeds,  unmitigated  by  those  of 
another. 

For  the  difference  made  between  Great>Britain  and 
France,  by  the  application  of  the  non-importalioni 
act  against  England  only,  the  motive  has  been  already 
toO'Often  explained,  and  it  is  too  well  known  to  require 
further  illustration.  In  the  commercial  restrictt<«i8to 
which  the  United  States  resorted  as  on  evidence  of 
their  sensibility  j  and  a  mild  retaliation  of  their  wrongs, 
they  invariably  placed  both  powers  on  the  same  foot- 
ing, holdinif  to  each  in  respect  to  itself>  the  same  ac-* 
commodation,  in  case  it  accepted  the  condition  offer-^ 
ed,  and  in  respect  to  the  other,  the  sftme  restraint, 
if  it  refused.  Had  the  British  govemroenl.coniirmed 
the  arrangement  which  was  entered  into  tvith  the  Bri* 
tish  minister  in  1809,  and  France  maintained  her  De« 
crees,  with  France  would  the  United  States  have  had 
to  resist,  wilh  thelirmness  belonging  to  their  charac- 
ter, the  continued  violation  of  their  rights.  Tliecom* 
mittee  do  not  hesitate  to  declare,  that  France  has 
greatly  injured  the  United  States,  and  that  satisfacto- 
ry reparation  has  not  been  made  for  many  of  those 
injuries.  But,  that  is  a  concern  which  the  United 
States  will  look  to  and  settle  for  themselves.  The 
high  charactei*  of  the  American  people,. is  a  suffi- 
cient pledge  to  the  world,  that  they  will  not  fail  to 
settle  it,  on  conditions  which  they  have  a  right  to 
claim. 

."f  More  recently,  the  true  policy  of  the  British  gov^ 
ernnient  towards  the  United  States  has  been  complete- 
ly unfolded.  It  has  been  publicly  declared  by  thosf; 
in  power,  that  the  Orders  in  Council  should  not  be 
repealed,  nntil  the  French  government  had  revoked 
all  its  internal  restraints  on  the  British  commerce, 
and  that  the  trade  of  the  United  States,  with  France 
and  her  allies,  should  be  prohibited  until  Great*Bri- 
tain  was  also  allowed  to  tra()e  with  them.    By  this 


de'clarati 

of  the  Bi 

join  Grei 

cute  the 

without  I: 

such  a  CO 

eroment  i 

made  ma 

by  it  as  t 

thiit  thbirj 

tbeir  wel 

taken  int 

committe( 

the  Britis 

United  S( 

possible  tc 

ed  States  < 

From  t 

British  go 

present  wa 

that  the  c< 

States, is  n 

independei 

any  of  the 

a  transitory 

the  House 

intrench  so 

wound  so  c 

could  not  ts 

cipal  udvao 

The  contrc 

regulating  j 

the  ocean  J 

regulations 

and  cootisc 

goes,  as  we 

without  pre 

pressment  o 

sels,  on  the 

them  in  boi 


sh  gov^ 

plete- 

those 

not  be 

>voked 

tinerce, 

IFraiice 

iBv  this 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR; 


lor 


declaration^  it  appears,  that  to  satisfy  the  pretensioiia 
of  the  British  government,  the  United  btates  must 
join  Great-Britain  in  the  war  with  France,  andprose^ 
cute  the  war,  until  France  should  be  subdued^  for 
without  her  subjugation,  it  were  in  vain  to  presume  on 
such  a  concession.  The  hostility  of  the  British  gov* 
eroment  has  been  still  further  disclosed.  It  has  been 
made  manifest  that  the  United  States  are  considered 
by  it  as  the  commercial  rival  of  Great-Britain,  and 
thiit  thbir prosperity  and  growth  are  incompatible  with 
their  welfare.  When  all  these  circumstances,  are 
taken  into  consideration,  it  is  impossible  for  your 
committee  to  doubt  the  motives  which  have  governed 
the  British  ministry  in  uU  its  measures  towards  the 
United  States  since  the  year  1805.  £qually  is  it  im^ 
possible  to  doubt,  longer,  the  course  which  the  Unit* 
ed  States  ought  to  pursue  towards  Great-Britain*  > 
From  this  view  of  the  multiplied  wrongs  of  the 
British  government  since  the  commencement  of  the 
present  war,  it  must  be  evident  to  the  impartial  world, 
that  the  contest  which  is  now  forced  on  the  United 
States,  is  radicnUy  a  contest  for  their  sovereignty  and 
independence.  Your  committee  will  not  enlarge  on 
any  of  the  injuries,  however  great,  which  have  had 
a  transitory  efiect  They  wish  to  call  the  attention  of 
the  House  to  those  of  a  permanent  nature  only,  which 
intrench  so  deeply  on  our  most  important  rights,  and 
wound  so  extensively  and  vitally  our  best  interests,  as 
could  not  tail  to  deprive  the  United  States  of  Ihe  prin- 
cipal advantages  oi  their  revolution,  if  submitted  to. 
The  control  of  our  commerce  by  Great-Britain,  iu 
regulating  it  at  pleasure,  and  almost  expelling  it  from 
the  ocean;  the  oppressive  manner  in  which  these 
regulations  have  been  carried  into  effect,  by  seizing 
and  confiscating  such  of  our  vessels  with  thetr^  car- 
goes, as  were  said  to  have  violated  her  Edicts,  often 
without  previous  warning  <^  Ibeir  danger ;  the  im- 
pressment of  our  citizens  from  on  board  our  own  ves- 
sels, on  the  high  seas,  and  elsewhere,  and  holding 
them  in  bondage  until  it  suited  the  convenience  uf 


^  •- 

Hi 

1  _   ■ 

I-  \y 

'!■■«- 


I 

1 

.    1 

*        1  ^                    ''. 

I  •. 

Is  il     ?        ■ 

i  f 

m 

1 

i 

1 

1 

, 

.'1 

i 

..i 

1 

'r 


108 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAB. 


r!   1 


ii 


.V     -f 


"i   ; 


llil;  '' 


);,tii 


11 


their' Oppressors  to  tleliver  them  up,  are  encroach- 
mentA  of  that  high  and  dangerous  tendency  which 
could  not  fail  to  produce  that  pernicious  etfect^  nor 
ivould  those  be  the  only  consequences  that  would  re- 
sult froRi  it.  The  British  government  might  for  a 
while,  be  satisfied  with  the  ascendency  thus  gained 
over  us,  but  its  pretensions  would  soon  .  increase. 
The  proof  which  so  complete  and  disgraceful  a  sub- 
mission to  its  authority,  would  afford  of  our  degene- 
racy, could  not  fail  to  inspire  confidence  that  there 
was  no  limit  to  which  its  usurpations,  and  our  degra- 
dation might  not  be  carried. 

Your  committee,  believing  that  the  freebom  sons 
of  America  are  worthy  to  enjoy  the  liberty  which 
their  fathers  purchased  at  the  price  of  so  much  blood 
and  treasure,  and  seeing,  in  the  measures  adopted  by 
Great-Britain,  a  course  commenced  and  persisted  in, 
which  might  lead  to  a  loss  of  national  character  and 
independence,  feel  no  hesitation  in  advising  resistance 
by  force,  in  which  the  Americans  of  the  present 
day  will  prove  to  the  enemy  and  the  world,  that  we 
have  not  only  inherited  that  liberty  which  our  fathers 
gave  us,  but  also  the  will  and  power  to  maintain  it. 
Kelying  on  the  patriotism  of  the  nation,  and  confi- 
dently trusting  that  the  Lord  of  Hosts  will  go  with 
us  to  battle  in  a  righteous  cause,  and  crown  our  ef- 
forts with  success-r-your  committee  recommend  an 
appeal  to  arms. 

Soon  after  the  above  Report  was  read,  Mr.  Cal- 
houn, from  the  committee  of  foreign  relations,  on 
leave  being  given,  presented  a  bill,  declaring  war  be- 
tween Great-Britain,  and  her  dependencies,  and  the 
United  States,  and  their  territories;  which,  after  seve- 
ral day's  debate,  passed  the  House  of  Representatives 
in  the  following  manner  ;  and  was  approved  by  th^ 
Fresident,  on  the  18th  day  of  June.  .ttiimi'.. 


Veclarini 

Britaii 

and  tite 

tories. 

BEitei 

sentatives 

gress  ass< 

hereby  det 

domsofG 

cies  thereo 

their  territ 

States  be  a 

land  and  i 

the  satne 

vessels  of  t 

marque  an 

think  prop 

against  to 

ment  of  th 

and  Irelan 

June  18 

Appro 


New-He 

Massach 

Turner,  ai 

Jihode-l 

Vermont 

Qonnecti 

NeW'Yoi 

NeW'-Jer 

Penusyh 

berls,  Pin^ 

vis,  Lefevr 

and  Smith- 

Delatvar* 

MaryUm 

Brown,  ant 


RI8TORY  OF  THB  WAR. 


109 


broach- 
which 
3cti  nor 
raid  re- 
tt  for  a 
;  gamed 
ncrease. 
il  a  sub- 
degene- 
lat  there 
ir  degra- 

Dm  sons 
.y  which 
:h  blood 
opted  by 
sisted  iu, 
icter  and 
resistance 
i  present 
.  that  we 
ir  fathers 
lintain  it. 
,nd  conii- 
go  with 
our  ef- 
iCnd  an 


ir.  CaU 
^lons,   on 

war  be- 

and  the 
fter  seve. 

Mi^Atives 
by  th« 

Mir 
«-'    • 


DECLARATION  OP  WAR.  nV^n.  f 

AN  ACT,        '    '«  .o.V»r/i,:.>T 


■     -I 

VeclartiM'War  between  the  United  Kit^aimsofGredU 
Britain  and  Ireland,  and  the  dependencies :thereof, 
and  the  United  States  of  America,  andtheii^Terri- 
•  tories.  '  'iV^o'",'  '.'"  ,', 

BE  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rehre- 
sentatives  of  the  United  States  of  America  in  Con- 
gress assembled,  That  WAR  be  and  the  same  is 
hereby  declarad  to  exist  between  the  United  King- 
doms of  Great-Britain  and  Ireland  and  the  dependen- 
cies thereof,  and  the  United  States  of  America  and 
their  territories :  and  that  the  President  of  the  United 
States  be  and  he  is  hereby  authorised  to  use  the  whole 
Isind  and  naval  force  of  the  United  States  to  carry 
the  satne  into  effect  and  to  issue  to  private  armedi 
vessels  of  thie  United  States  commissions,  or  letters  6f 
marque  and  general  reprisal,  in  such  form'  as  he  shall 
think  proper,  and  under  the  seal  of  the  United  States, 
against  the  vessels,  goods  and  effects  of  the  govern- 
ment of  the  same  United  Kingdoms  of  Great-Britain 
and  Ireland,  and  of  the  subjects  thereof. 
June  16,  1812.  .,. 
Approved,  JAMES  MADISON. 

s»;*^f!i*ttif*  i .   YEAS  -^j^MiJ'wv^tsnvi.' 

New-  Hampshire.  Dinsmoor,  Hall,  And  Harper — 3. 
Massachusetts,    Seaver,  Carr,  Green,'  Richardson, 
Turner,  andWidgery — 6. 

Jihode-Island.  Vne.  - H*>Hff*i>r»«  ^^^^ 

Vermont    Fisk,  Shaw,  and  Strong— 3.    '^'^v  ..  ^ 
Connecticut.    None.  — ij.t^. 

NeW'York.    Pond,  Avfery,  and  Sage— 3.  '^''^■': 
NeW' Jersey.    Condit,  and  Morgan— -2.     ^^'^ 
Pennsylvania.    Seybert,  Anderson,  Brown,  Ro. 

berU,  Findley,  Smilie,  Lyle,  Whitehill,  Bard,  Pa* 

vis,  Lefevre,  Hyneman,  Piper,  Lacock,  Ci'aWford, 

and  Smith — 16. 
Delaware.    None.         «^     *«X^ 
Maryland.     Kent,   Little,    M'Kim,    Ringgold, 

Brown,  and  Archer — 6» 


i::  M|5;i   '1 


I    \ 


\    \ 


\ 


\  A 1 


illMiiili^ 


I    :!l:Ji 


^•i»f  ■ 


r     .t 


/;   I 


I , 


no 


mSTORY  .OF  THE  WAm^ 


I,  111 


■■'':  !',    ■  ' 


Vtrainia,  Nelson,  Gbolton,  Goodwyn,  Nlewton, 
Taliaferro,  Dawson,  Bassett,  Smith,  Hawes,  Roane, 
M'Koy,  Pleasants,  Clopton,  and  BurwelU-14. 

JNorth-Carolitw.  Alston,  Blackledge,  Macon, 
King,  Cochran,  and  Pickens — 6. 

South'Carolina.  Williams,  d^ieves,  Lowndw'S, 
Butler,  Calhoun,  Earle,  Winn,  and  Moored. 

Georgia.    Troup,  Bibb,  and  Hali — 3. 

Kentucky,  Johnson,  D«ii>ha,  New,  M'Kee,  and 
Orm«by— d. 

Tennessee.    Rhea,  Gnyidy,  and  Sevier — 3. 
/  Ohio.    Morrow — 1. 
I  NAYS.  ■■''' 

NeW' Hampshire.    Bartlett,  and  Sullivan — 2. 

Massachusetts.  Q,uiiicy,  Reed,  Taggart,  Ely, 
Briffham,  White,  Tatlman,  andWheaton— 8. 

Mhode'island.    Potter,  and  Jackson — 2. 
'j   \erm<mt^    Chittenden"—!. 

Vannecticut.  Sturges,  Davenport,  Mosely,  Cham- 
pion, Talluiadge,  PiU(in,  and  Law — 7. 

A«fp. Ywb*  Bit^ecker,  £mott,  Cooke,  Fitch  Gold, 
Sammons,  Stow,  Tracy,  Van  Cortiaudt.  MitcbiU,' 
andMetcall^U.  '"''  -I'l^f'^Pr 

NeW'Jersey.  Boyd,  Hufty,  Maxwell,  and  New- 
bold— 4. 

Pennsylvania.    Mil  nor,  and  Rodaian-^2. 

Delaware.    Ridgely — 1.  ,,-*^^i|  .  >.» 

]  Mo^tf^^-    K^y*  Goldsborough,  and  Stuart— 3. 

Viryinia.  Randolph,  Lewis,  Baker,  Brecken- 
ridge,  and  Wilson — 5. 

ISorlhrtaroliim'  Pearson,  M'Bryde,  and  Stan- 
ford—3.  ■  •  ''"•'  ,  .,,^.1    \   '-. 

Sauth^Cato^.    None,,^  ;i-^   ".:..: iZ?(\ 

Gearyta.     None.       ^,,,  ^uh^uO  ,  ^,^^^,A    ' 


^.  JTenfiicAy.    None. 
*^.  Tennessee,    ^oue. 
*'  Ohio.    None. 
'^  Yeas,     79 


,hL 


-n 


yajohly  for  War, 


JNays,     49  ^,^^,^^    .v.v-«4f»Cl 


In  Set 


TheE 
after  its  p 
which  th« 


UN 

WHJEl 

by  virtue  < 

havedecla 

day  of  the 

the  Unitet 

and  the  de 

of  Americ 

I,  JAMEI 

States  of  , 

all  whom  i 

on  all  pers 

the  author! 

lant  and  u 

ly  incident 

good  peopi 

country;  a 

from  the  vi 

the  wrongs 

of  injured 

means,  urn 

abridging  i 

in  preservii 

tuining  the 

supporting 

may  be  ad( 

obtaining  a 


■%^ 


•  i     ! 


IU8TOBY  OP  TUB  WAR* 


1M» 


Stan- 


■r.i 


In  Senate.        Yeaa^  19 

.      Nays,   ia—T«l«l  Majority,  36. 

■  ■  \  <\mm>,  .■■■" 

The  Declaration  of  War,  was  announced  tlie  day 
after  its  passage,  by  the  President's  Fraclainatton,  of 
which  the  idlltowiiig  is  a  copy  : —         D*ni>       ;  ;  > 

BY  THE  PRE8I0SMT  Ot  THE  ';i.^(<^)     ' 


UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 


\)^ 


S0m(^i4  PROCLAMATION,    ^,^,^^ 

WHflREAS  the  Congress  of  the  United  States, 
by  virtue  of  the  constituted  authority  vested  in  them, 
havedeclared  by  their  act,  bearing  date  the  eighteenth 
day  of  the  present  month,  that  War  exists  between 
the  United  Kingdoms  of  Great-Britain  and  Ireland^ 
and  the  dependencies  thereof,  and  the  United  States 
of  America,  and  their  Territories :  Now,  therefore, 
I,  JAMES  MADISON^  President  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  do  hereby  proclaim  the  same  to 
all  whom  it  may  concern  ;  and  1  do  specially  enjoin 
on  all  persons  holding  offices,  civil  or  military,  under 
the  authority  of  the  United  States,  that  they  be  vigi- 
lant and  zealous  in  discharging  the  duties  respective- 
ly incident  thereto :  And  I  do  moreover  exliort  all  the 
good  people  of  the  United  States,  as  they  love  their 
country ;  as  they  value  the  precious  heritage  derived 
from  the  virtue  and  valor  of  their  fathers ;  as  they  feeX 
the  wrongs  which  have  forced  on  them  the  last  resort 
of  injured  nations  ;  and  as  they  consult  the  best 
means,  under  the  blessing  of  Divine  Providence!  of 
abridging  its  calamities ;  that  they  exert  theoisetyes 
in  preserving  order,  in  promoting  concord,  in  main- 
tuining  the  authority  and  efficacy  of  the  laws,  and  in 
supporting  and  invigorating  alt  the  measures  which 
may  be  adopted  by  the  constituted  authorities,  for 
obtaining  a  speedy,  a  just,  and  nii  honorable  peace. 


'! 


r 

!|!i|:i 


1   ! 


I       ■' 


h 


'     a 


119 


mSTORY  OF  THB  WAS. 


In  testimony  whsrbof   I  have  hereunto 

set  my  hand,  and  caused  the  seal  of  the 

f  United  States  to  be  affixed  to  these  pres* 

sents. 
(SEAL) 

DONE  at  the  City  of  Washington,  the  nine- 
teenth  day  of  June  one  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred and  twelve,  and  of  the  Indepebdence 
of  the  United  States  the  thirty-sixtn. 
(Signed) 

JAMES  MAPIPON. 
By  the  President, 


ji  :.   u..*  i 


(Signed) 


tSSV\ KHi  JAMES  MONROE. 

Secretary  cf  State. 


'hi;r 


,';)«»w.it.i.i  KJet/a 

,biu  1*^3  I  CHAPTER  IV. 

, m >!  vo.ij    THE  FIRST  PRISONER. 

Was  taken  in  Norfolk,  Virginia. — A  gentleman, 
by  the  name  of  fVilkinson,  arrived  in  that  place 
about  the  first  of  June,  and  put  up  at  the  British 
Censors.  The  citizens  suspected  him  to  be  a  British 
officer,  and  accordingly  kept  an  eve  itpon  him.  On 
the  receipt  of  the  Declaration  of  War,  Wilkinson, 
as  the  mail  boat  was  about  to  depart,  was  seen  to  make 
a  precipitate  retreat  through  the  back  street,  which 
led  from  the  Cousurs  to  the  wharf,  where  the  boat 
lay,  when  he  sprang  on  board,  darted  into  the  cabin, 
and  in  a  few  seconds  was  under  way.  It  was  known 
that  a  man  of  war  was  hovering  on  the  coast,  and 
his  intention  was  to  communicate  the  declaration  of 
war  to  her.  Boats,  from  the  navy  yard  and  fort  Nel- 
son, were  immediately  dispatched,  which  succeeded 
in  taking  Wilkinson.  He  proved  to  be  a  captain  in 
the  Royal  Marines.  ..,*...       .     ' 

"'  '    '  'if  til   h^h jMim  mi  fmfi 


Was  the 
from.  Gui 
cargo  of  t 
Wm.Ha 


To  the  i 

I  trans 
of  letters 
of  State, 
Flenipote 

June  I 


SIR, 

It  has  b 

your  lettei 

receiveyei 

the  Ameri 

iiion  relati 

tween  the 

sir,  that  it  i 

letters  whi 

office,  to  u 

remote  ma 

ever  be  rea 

frankness, 

nently  dist 

to  belong  t 

to  discuss  ^ 

But,  sir, 

ing  intofnl 

not  but  feel 

tious  to  mal 

I  had  a  rig 

Uiem;  and 


'^\  ■ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


11« 


tarn  in 


THE  FIRST  PRIZE, 

Was  the  schoonttr  Patriot,  J.  A.  Brown,  Master, 
firon^  Guadaloupe,  Dound  to  Halifax,  with  a  valuable 
cargo  of  sugar,  taken  by  the  revenue  cutter  Jefferson, 
Wm.  Ham,  Master,  and  arrived  at  Norfolk,  June  26. 

PRESIDENTS  MESSAGE. 

.To  the  Senate  and  Houlse  of  Ifepresentatives  oftlte 
United  /States. 
I  transmit,  for  Ihc  information  of  Congress,  copies 
of  letters  which  have  passed  between  the  Secretary 
of  State,  and  the  Envoy  extraordinary  and  minister 
Plenipotentiary  of  Great-Britain. 

JAMES  MADISON. 
June  15,  1812. 

Mr.  Foster  to  Mr.  Monroe. 

Washington  June  10, 1812. 
SIR, 

It  has  been  extremely  satisfactory  to  me,  to  find  by 
your  letter  dated  June  6th,  which  I  had  the  honor  to 
receive  yesterday  morning,  thstt  it  was  not  the  wish  of 
the  American  government  to  close  all  futher  discus- 
sion relative  to  the  important  questions  at  issue,  be- 
tween the  two  countries.  I  beg  you  to  be  assured, 
sir,  that  it  never  was  my  intention,  in  alluding  to  my 
letters  which  had  remained  without  answer  at  your 
office,  to  use  any  expressions  which  could,  in  the  most 
remote  manner  contain  aiiy  thing  personal.  I  shall 
ever  be  ready  with  pleasure  to  bear  testimony  to  that 
frankness,  candor,  and  good  temper  which  so  emi- 
nently distinguish  you,  and  have  been  acknowledged 
to  belong  to  you,  by  all  who  have  ever  had  the  honor 
to  discuss  with  you  any  question  of  public  interest. 

But,  sir,  although  you  were  not  backward  in  enter- 
ing into  fall  explanations  with  me  verbally,  I  could 
not  butteel,  particularly  as  I  had  just  communication- 
tions  to  make  to  you  of  the  greatest  importance,  that 
I  had  a  right  to  expect  from  you  a  written  reply  to 
them ;  and  while  I  remembered  that  two  of  my  form- 

15 


III 


\U<\    '• 


".      I'i  • 


'■■f^. 


H 


i 


Ifilli    I. 


iiji,li,i? 


114 


BISTOEY  OV  THE  WAR. 


1,1 


I 


'      •  > 


er  notes  were  still  unanswered,  the  one  written  three 
mondis  ago,  cc»ntnining  among  other  important  top- 
icks  a  particular  question  which  I  was  expressly  )n> 
structed  to  put  to  you,  as  to  whether  you  could  point 
,to  any  public  act,  on  the  part  of  the  French  govern- 
ment, by  which.they  had  really  revoked  their  Decrees, 
and  the  other  furnishing  strong  evidence  of  the  con- 
tinued existence  of  those  very  Decrees  ;  also,  when 
I  perceived  that  my  note,  communicating  the  duke  of 
Bassano's  report,  which  you  knew  was  to  be  sent  to 
you  on  the  Istinst.  was  not  waited  for,  but  that  a  mes- 
sage wa|i  transmitted  by  the  Executive  to  Congress, 
which  it  seems  contained  a  reference  to  an  insulated 
passage  in  the  despatch  on  which  my  note  was  found- 
ed, that  if  taken  unconnected  with  what  preceeded  or 
followed,  it  might  be  liable  to  misconstruction,!  could 
not  avoid  apprehending  that  no  means  of  further  ex- 
planation might  be  left  open  to  qne. 

I  beg  you  to  be  assured  sir,  that  if  I  was  embarras- 
sed by  your  demands  of  an  explanation  as  to  what 
appeared  to  you  to  be  a  difference  between  lord  Cas- 
tlereagh's  despatch,  comnmnicated  to  you,  and  my 
note,  it  arose  from  the  novelty  of  the  demand,  that 
seemed  to  involve  an  informality  of  proceeding,  in 
which  I  could  not  feel  myself  justified  in  acquiescing. 
Had  you,  in  making  a  reply  to  my.  communication, 
asked  me  how  far  a  repeal  of  the  French  Decrees 
was  demanded  by  my  government  and  as  to  whether 
a  special  repeal,  as  far  as  respected  America,  would 
be  sufficient  I  should  have  had  no  hesitation  in  giv- 
ing you  every  satisfaction. 

Your  note  of  the  6th  instant  has,  by  shewing  that 
the  door  was  not  absolutely  shut  to  a  continuance  of 
our  diiscttssion,  relieved  me  from  further  difficulty  on 
this  point. 

I  have  no  hesitation,  sir,  in  saying  that  Great-Bri- 
tain, as  the  case  has  hitherto  stood,  never  did,  nor 
never  could  engage,  without  the  grossest  injustice  to 
herself  and  her  allies,  as  well  as  to  other  neutral  na- 
tions, to  repeal  her  orders  as  affecting  America  alone, 


leaving  th 
dition  that 
ly,  Ameri 
will  recoil 
ures  of  del 
in  those  D 
ried  on  by 
regulutioni 
[ml  by  Fra 
novel  and 
expected  t 
forts  to  thr 
she  menac 
might  seek 
the  exercii 
cannot  enf 

But,  sir, 
case;  upor 
the  late  re 
been  publii 
the  face  of 
whatever  hi 

Youdra 
this  instrun 
the  high  evi 
pagnys  no 
considered 
but,  sir,  yo 
of  Baasano' 
companyini 
ris,  is  not  i 
letter,  offer 
crees,  upoi 
tionstoo,  VI 
tion  of  pai 

The  con 
brought  for 
blockade  o( 
letter  you  h 
required  by 


m 


HISTORY  OP  T»E  WAR. 


116 


leaving  them  in  force  against  other  states,  npon  con- 
dition that  France  would  except,  singly  and  special- 
ly, America  from  the  operation  of  her  Decrees.  You 
will  recollect,  sir,  that  the  Orders  in  Conncil  are  meas- 
ures of  defence,  directed  against  the  system  contained 
in  those  Decrees ;  that  it  is  a  war  of  trade  v^hich  is  car- 
ried on  by  France ;  that  what  yon  call  the  municipal 
regulations  of  France,  have  never  been  called  munici- 
[mlby  France  herself,  but  are  her  main  engines  in  that 
novel  and  monstrous  system.  It  cannot,  then,  bo' 
expected  that  Great-Britain  should  renounce  her  ef- 
forts to  throw  back  upon  France  the  evils  with. which 
she  menaces  Great.Britain,  merely  because  France 
might  seek  to  alleviate  her  own  situation  by  waving 
the  exercise  of  that  part  of  her  system  which  she 
cannot  enforce. 

But,  sir,  to  what  purpose  argfue  npon  a  supposed 
case ;  upon  a  state  of  thmgs  not  likely  to  occur,  since 
the  late  report  and  senatus  consultum  which  have . 
been  published  to  the  world,  as  it  were,  insultingly  in 
the  face  of  those  who  would  contend  that  any  repeal 
whatever  had  taken  place,  of  the  Decrees  in  question. 

You  draw  a  comparison  between  the  mode  in  which 
this  instrument  has  appeared,  and  that  which  you  call 
the  high  evidence  of  the  repeal  as  stated  in  Mr.  Cham- 
pagny  s  note :  and  it  would  almost  seem  as  if  you' 
considered  the  latter  as  the  most  authentic  of  the  two ; 
but,  sir,  you  cannot  seriously  contend  that  the  duke 
of  Baasano's  report,  with  the  senatus  consultum  ac- 
companying it^  published  in  the  official  paper  at  Pa- 
ris, is  not  a  Very  different  instrument  from  the  above 
letter,  offering  a  mere  provisional  repeal  of  the  De- 
crees, upon  conditions  utterly  inadmissible :  condi- 
tions too,  which  really  formed  of  themselves  a  ques- 
tion of  paramount  importance. 

The  condition  then  demanded,  and  which  was 
brought  forward  so  unexpectedly,  was  a  repeal  of  the 
blockade  of  May,  1806,  which  Mr.  Pinkney,  in  the 
letter  you  have  referred  me  to,  declared  to  have  been 
required  by  America  as  indispensable  in  the  view  of 


1\-  ■^'    ■ 

1 

i 

|! 

r.ii  1' 


;  ^ ' 

1   i 

1  1      J 

ill 

•'I 


^■'1 


■'1- 


^ 


ill 


110 


HMTORY  OF  THE   WAR. 


her  acU  of  intercourfie  and  noii-intercourtie,  un  well 
08  a  re|M'al  of  other  blockades  of  a  itimilar  cliarncter, 
which  were  maintained  b^  Great-Britain,  to  be  found- 
ed nn  strict  maritime  rig^hts. 

The  conditions  now  annexed  to  the  French  de». 
mand  ara  much  more  extensive,  and  as  I  have  shewn, 
includes  a  surrender  of  many  other  of  the  mo.4t  estab- 
lished principles  of  the  public  law  of  nations. 

I  cannot,  I  confess,  see  upon  what  ground  you  con- 
tend that  the  report  of  the  duke  of  BasNano,  anbrds  no 
proof  against  any  partail  repeal  of  the  French  De- 
crees. The  principles  advanced  in  that  report  are 
general;  there  is  no  exception  made  in  favor  of 
America,  and  in  the  correspondence  of  Mr.  fiarlow« 
as  officially  published,  he  seems  to  allow  that  he  had 
no  explanation  respecting  it.  How  can  it,  therefore, 
be  considered  in  any  other  light  than  as  a  republica- 
tion of  the  Decrttes  themselves  ?  whicht  as  it  were  to 
take  away  all  ground  fur  any  doubt,  expressly  ad- 
vances a  doctrine  that  can  only  be  put  in  practice  on 
the  high  seas,  namely,  *  that  free  ships  shall  make 
free  goods/  since  the  application  of  such  a  principle 
to  vessels  in  port  is  absolutely  rejected  under  his  con- 
tinental system. 

It  is,  indeed,  iiyipossible  to  see  how,  under  such 
circumstances,  America  can  call  upon  Great-Britain 
to  revoke  her  Orders  in  Council.  It  i^  impossible 
that  she  can  revoke  them  at  this  moment,  in  common 
justice  to  herself  and  to  herallies;  but,  sir,  while  un«< 
der  the  necessity  of  continuing  them,  she  will  be 
readv  t«  manage  their  exercise,  so  as  to  alleviate  as 
much  as  possible,  the  pressure  upon  America  ;.  and 
it  would  give  me  great  pleasure  to  cunt'er  with  you, 
4t  any  time,  upon  the  most  advisable  manner  of  pro- 
ducing that  effect.  I  have  the  honor,  &c, 
(Signed)  AUGUSTUS  J,  FOSTEK, 

To  the  hon.  Jam£8  Monroe,  Sfc 


.1* 


•     ■  0j4l'/liiU -','#■  ^<.-i    "lii  ii 


.  ..    ^    ■> 


swer;  anc 


■'N  r 


HISTORY  OF  THE   WAA. 


U7 


^Rv 


SIR, 


Mr.  Monroe  to  Mr.  Foster. 
Obpaatmsnt  of  State,  June  13, 1812., 


1  am  not  aware  that  any  letter  of  yours,  on  any. 
ftubject,  on  which  the  final  decision  of  this  govern- 
ment had  not  been  communicated  to  you,  has  been 
suttered  to  remain  without  a  prompt  and  written  an- 
swer; and  even  in  the  cases  thus  supposed  to  have 
been  settled,  which  you  thought  proper  to  revive,  al- 
though no  favorable  change  had  taken  place  in  the 
policy  ox  measures  of  your  government,  I  have  never 
tailed  to  explain  to  you  informally,  in  early  inter- 
views, the  reasons  which  made  it  imperiously  tiie  du- 
ty of  the  United  States  to  continue  to  afibrd,  to  their 
v'ljrhXa  and  interests,  all  the  protection  in  their  power. 
The  acknowledgment  of  this  on  your  part,  was  due 
to  the  frankness  of  the  communications  which  have 
passed  between  us  on  the  highly  important  subjects, 
on  which  we  have  treated,  and  I  am  happy  to  find 
by  your  letter  of  the  10th  inst.  that  in  relying  on  it,  I. 
have  not  been  disappointed. 

The  impropriety  of  the  demand  made  by  your  gov- 
ernment of  a  copy  of  the  instrument  of  instructions 
given  by  the  French  government  to  its  cruizers,  aflter 
the  repeal  of  the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees,  was 
sufficiently  shown  ia  Mr.  Pinkuey's  letter  to  the  Mar- 
quis of  Wellesley  of  the  10th  of  December,  1810,. 
and  in  my  letters  to  you  of  the  23d  July,  181 1,  and 
14th  January  last.  It  was  for  this  reason  that  I  thought 
it  more  suitable  to  refer  you  to  those  letters,  for  the 
answer  to  that  demand,  than  to  repeat  it  in  a  formal  - 
communication. 

It  excites,  however,  no  small  surprise,  that  you 
should  continue  to  demand  a  copy  of  that  instrument, ' 
or  any  new  proof  of  the  repeal  of  the  French  De- 
crees, at  the  very  time  that  you  declare  tk»^  the  proof 
which  you  demand,  in  the  extent  to  which  we  have  a 
right  to  claim  the  repeal,  would  not  if  afforded,  ob- 
tain a  corresponding  repeal  of  the  Orders  in  CnnMcil. 
This  demand  is  the  more  extraordinary,  when  it  is 


1    ' 


W 


^•tM 


lit 


118 


HIISTORY  of  tHE  WAR. 


% 


!li..  i 


considered,  that  since  the  repeal  of  the  Decrees,  as  it 
respects  the  United  States,  was  announced,  your  gov- 
ernment has  enlarged  its  pretensions,  as  to  the  condi- 
tions on  which  the  Orders  in  Council  should  be  re- 
pealed, and  even  invigorated  its  practicie  under  them. 

It  is  satisfactory  to  find  that  there  has  been  no  mis- 
apprehension of  the  condition,  without  which  your 
^o^ernroent  refuses  to  repeal  the  Orders  in  Council. 
You  admit  that  to  obtain  their  repeal,  in  respect  to 
the  United  States,  the  repeal  of  the  French  Decrees 
must  be  absolute  and  unconditional,  not  as  to  the 
United  States  only,  but  to  all  other  neutral  nations ; 
nor  as  far  as  they  affect  neutral  commerce  only,  but 
as  they  operate  internally  and  affect  the  trade  in  Bri- 
tish manufactures  with  the  enenlies  of  Great-Britain. 
As  the  Orders  in  Council  have  formed  a  principal 
cause  of  the  differences  which  unhappily  exist  be- 
tween our  countries,  a  condition  of  their  repeal,  com- 
municated in  any  authentic  document  or  manner,  was 
entitled  to  particular  attention ;  and  surely  none  could 
have  so  high  a  claim  to  it,  as  the  letter  from  Lord 
Castlereagh  to  you,  submitted  by  his  authority  to  my 
view,  for  the  express  purpose  of  making  that  condi- 
tion, with  its  other  contentSj  known  to  this  govern- 
ment. 

With  this  knowledge  of  the  determination  of  your 
government,  to  say  nothing  of  the  other  conditions 
annexed  to  the  repeal  of  the  Orders  in  Council,  it  is 
impossible  for  me  to  devise  or  conceive  any  arrange- 
ment consistent  with  the  honor,  the  rights  and  inter- 
ests of  the  United  States,  that  could  be  made  the  ba- 
sis or  become  the  result  of  a  conference  on  the  subject. 
As  the  President  nevertheless  retains  his  solicitude  to 
see  a  happy  determination  of  any  differences  between 
the  two  countries,  and  wishes  that  every  opportunity, 
however  unpromising,  which  may  possibly  lead  to  it, 
should  be  taken  advantage  of,  I  have  the  honor  to  in- 
foi'iu  you  that  I  am  ready  to  receive  and  pay  due  atten- 
tion to  any  communication  or  propositions  having  the 
object  in  view,  which  you  may  be  authorised  to  make. 


rii 


T 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


119 


)Vern- 


Under  existing  circomstances,  it  is  deemed  most 
advisable,  ip  every  respect,  that  this  should  be  done 
in  writing,  as  most  susceptible  of  the  requisite  pre- 
cision, and  least  liable  to  misapprehension.  Allow 
nie  to  add,  that  it  is  equally  desirable  that  it  should 
be  done  without  delay.  By  this  it  is  not  meant  to 
preclude  any  additional  opportunity  which  may  be 
afforded  by  a  personal  interview.  I  have  the  honor 
to  be,  8f.c. 

(Signed)  JAMES  MONROE.  /, 

Augustus  J.  Foster.  ^. 

Mr.  Foster  to  Mr.  Monroe.  j 

Washington,  June  14, 1812. . 
SIR.  ■ 

I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
letter  of  the  18th  instant. 

It  is  really  quite  painful  to  me  to  perceive,  that  not- 
withstanding the  length  of  the  discussions  which  have 
taken  place  between  us,  misapprehensions  have  again 
arisen  respecting  some  of  the  most  important  features 
in  tlie  questions  at  issue  between  our  two  countries  ; 
which  misapprehensions,  perhaps,  proceeding  from 
my  not  expressing  myself  sufficiently  clear  in  my  note 
of  the  10th  inst.  in  relation  to  one  of  those  questions, 
it  is  absolutely  necessary  should  be  done  away. 

I  beg  leave  again  lo  state  to  you,  sir,  that  it  is  not 
the  operation  of  the  French  Decrees  upon  the  British 
trade  with  the  enemies  of  Great-Britain,  that  has  ever 
formed  a  subject  of  discussion  between  us,  and  that  it 
is  the  operation  of  those  Decrees  upon  Great-Britain, 
through  neutral  commerce  only,  which  has  really 
been  the  point  at  issue.  Had  America  resisted  the 
effect  of  those  Decrees  in  their  full  extent  upon  her 
neutral  rights,  we  should  never  have  had  a  difference 
upon  the  subject ;  but  while  French  cruizers  continue 
to  capture  her  ships  under  their  operation,  she  seems 
to  have  been  satisfied  if  those  ships  were  released  by 
special  imperial  mandates,  issued  as  the  occasion 
arose ;  and  she  has  chosen  to  call  municipal  an  unex- 


I  1  1 


m  f  I' 


'! 


•i 


r  1  ii  I, 


,  I 


ii' 


,i      I 


^ 


130 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAH. 


ampled  assuinplion  of  authority  by  France,  in  coun« 
tries  not  under  French  jurisdiction,  and  expressly  in- 
vaded for  the  purpose  ot'  preventing  their  trade  with 
England,  on  principles  directly  applicable  to,  if  they 
could  be  enforced  against  America. 

I  beg  you  to  recollect,  sir,  tha^  if  no  revocation  had 
been  made  of  the  Orders  in  Council,  upon  any  repeal 
of  the  French  Decrees,  as  hitherto  shown  by  America 
to  have  taken  place,  it  has  not  been  the  fault  Of  his 
jVIajesty's  government.  It  was  France,  and  afterr 
wards  America,  that  connected  the  question  relative 
to  the  right  of  blockade  with  that  arising  out  of  the 
Orders  in  Council.  You  well  know  that  if  these  two 
questions  had  not  been  united  together,  the  Orders  in 
Council  would  have  been,  in  1810,  revoked.  How 
could  it  be  expected  that  Great-Britain,  in  common 
justice  to  other  neutral  nations,  to  her  allies,  and  to  her- 
self, should  qot  contend  for  a  full  and  absolute  repeal 
of  the  Fi'ench  Decrees,  or  should  engage  to  make 
any  particular  concession  in  favor  of  America,  when 
she  saw  tliat  America  would  not  renounce  her  d  e- 
mand  for  a  surrender  with  the  Orders  in  Council  of 
some  of  our  most  important  maritime  rights. 

Even  to  tliis  day,  sir,  you  have  not  explicitly  stated 
in  any  of  the  letters  to  which  you  refer  me,  that  the 
American  government  would  expressly  renounce 
asking  for  a  revocation  of  the  blockade  of  May  1806, 
and  the  other  blockade  alluded  to  in  Mr.  Pinkney's 
letter  ;  much  less  have  I  been  able  to  obtain  from  you 
any  disclaimer  of  the  rights  asserted  by  Fi'ance  to 
impose  upon  the  world  the  new  maritime  code  pro> 
mulgated  by  France  in  the  late  republication  of  her 
Decrees,  although  I  have,  by  order  of  my  govern* 
ment,  exjH'essly  stated  their  expectation  of  su^li  dis- 
claimer, and  repeatedly  called  for  an  explanation  en 
this  point.  •  h.*j  jjj 

I  will  now  say  that  I  feel  entirely  authorised  to 
assure  you  that  if  you  can,  at  any  time,  produce  a  full 
and  unconditional  re|>eal  of  the  French  Decrees,  as 
you  have  a  right  tp  demand  it  in  your  rhnmcter  of  a 


neutral  n\ 
connectio 
rights,  W( 
tion  of  th( 
ducing  su 
you  regar 
give  up  01 
In  refei 
letter  in  ai 
only  say,  t 
it  imposibl 
consistent 
United  St 
sure  of  the 
America, 
if  we  conlcl 
might  have 
under  the  ii 
her  own  w 
teresl  of  A 
the  incider 
that  their  re 
France  to  ^ 
crees,  and  i 
those  measi 
breaking  ol 
retaliatory 
tial  and  pro 
necessities  < 
his  Majesty 
would  have 
of  America 
ever,  and  fn 
felt  encoura 
arising  out  t 
merely  agai 
Great-Bntai 
forced,  in  be 
terest  to  rela 
'>ine  that  ret 


m\  '■  I 


HISTORY  OF  TUB  WAtL 


121 


le 


pro- 
of her 


neutral  nation,  and  that  it  be  disengaged  from  any 
connection  with  the  question  concerning  our  niaritim* 
rights,  we  shall  be  ready  to  meet  you  with  a  revoca* 
tion  of  the  Orders  in  Council.  Previous  to  your  pro* 
(lucing  such  an  instrument,  which  I  am  sorry  to  ste 
you  regard  as  unnecessary,  you  cannot  expect  of  us  to 
give  up  our  Orders  in  Council. 

In  reference  to  the  concluding  paragraph  of  your 
letter  in  answer  to  that  in  mine  of  the  lOth  inst  I  will 
only  say,  that  I  am  extremely  sorry  to  find  yon  think, 
it  impusible  to  devise  or  conceive  any  arrangement 
consistent  with  the  honor,  rights,  and  interests,  of  the 
United  States,  which  might  tend  to  alleviate  the  pres- 
sure of  the  Orders  in  Conncil  on  the  commerce  of 
America.  It  would  have  given  me  great  satisfaction 
if  we  could  have  fallen  upon  some  agreement  that 
might  have  had  such  effect.  My  government,  while 
under  the  imperious  necessity  uf  resisting  France  with 
her  own  weapons,  most  earnestly  desires  that  the  in- 
terest of  America  may  suffer  as  little  as  possible  from 
the  incidental  efiect  of  the  conflict.  They  are  aware 
that  their  retaliatory  measures  have  forced  the  ruler  of 
France  to  yield  in  some  degree  from  his  hostile  De*- 
crees,  and  whether  it  were  more  advisable,  to  push 
those  measures  rigorously  on  until  they  complete  the 
breaking  of  it  up  altogether  (the  main  object  of  our 
I'etaliatory  system)  or  to  take  advantage  of  the  par- 
tial and  progressive  retractions  of  il,  produced  by  the 
necessities  of  the  enemy,  has  been  a  question  with 
his  Majesty's  government.  It  is  oiieon  wiiith  they 
would  have  been  most  desirous  to  consult  the  interest 
of  America.  Under  existing  circumstances,  how- 
ever, and  from  our  late  communications,  I  have  not 
felt  encouraged  to  make  you  any  written'  proposal 
arising  out  uf  this  state  of  things  ;  I  shall,  therefore, 
merely  again  express  to  you,  that  as  the  object  of 
Great-Britain  has  been  throughout  to  endeavor^  whilp 
forced,  in  behalf  of  her  most  important  rights  and  in- 
terest to  retaliate  upon  the  French  Decrees,  to  com- 
'>jne  that  retaliation  with  the  greatest  possible  degree 

16 


K 


> }  I 


.A. 


ii 


f  f 


122 


HISTORY  or  THC  WAR. 


of  attention  to  the  interest  of  America,  it  would  give 
his  Majesty's  government  the  most  sincere  satisfaction 
if  some  arrangement  could  be  found  which  would  have 
so  desirable  an  effect.     I  have.  &c. 


t;  (Signed) 


AUGUSTUS  J.  FOSTER. 


To  the  lion.  James  Monroe,  &c. 


PllESIDENT'S  MESSAGE, 
To  the  Senate  und  House  of  BepresetUatives  of  the 
United  States. 
:    1  communicate  to  Congress  copies  of  a  letter  to  the 
Secretary  of  state,  from  the  charge  d'affairs  of  the 
United  States  at  London,  and  of  a  note  to  him  from 
the  British  Secretary  for  foreign  affairs. 
■.;    Uiii,U&<iU.i  JAMES  MADISON. 

3.  June  22, 1812. 


I   if'jr 


H{ItO*>  ?«■, 


-STi 


«"  §  Mr.  Bussell  to  the  Secretary  of  State. 
'>i{*  i«i{i  London,  May  2, 1812. 

fp  SIR— After  closing  the  duplicate  of  my  letter  to 
you  of  the  26th  ult.  I  discovered  the  copy  of  the  note 
of  lordCastlereaghto  meofthe  21st  ult.  had  been  left 
ont  by  mistake.  I  take  the  liberty  of  novt'  handing 
it  to  you.  <!d;i9)  I  am,  &c. 

JONATHAN  RUSSELL. 
•>    To  the  hon.  James  Monroe,  8fC. 
.  •!  [Enclaned  in  the  above.] 

*nl1ie  undersigned,  his  Majesty's  principal  Secretary 
of  state  for  foreign  affairs,. is  commanded  by  his  Roy- 
al Highness,  the  Prince  Regent,  to  transmit  to  iVi  r. 
Russell,  charge  d'affairs  of  the  government  of  the 
United  States  of  America,  the  enclosed  copy,  uf  a 
declaration  accompanying  an  Order  in  Council  which 
Jias  been  this  day  passed  by  his  Royal  Highness,  the 
Prince  Regent  in  Council. 

The  undersigned  is  commanded  by  the  Prince  Re- 
gent to  request  that  Mr.  Russell,  in  making  this 
communication  to  his  government,  will  represent  this 
measure  as  conceived  in  the  true  spirit  of  conciliation, 
and  with  a  due  regnrd,  on  the  part  of  his  Royal 


X 


^v 


luld  give 
itistuction 
ouldhave 

)TER. 


<es  of  the 

tier  to  the 
ii's  of  the 
him  from 

ISON. 


e. 

5,  1812. 

I  letter  to 

f  the  note 
been  left 
banding 

5ELL. 

iecrelary 
s  Roy- 
lit  to  i\]  r. 
Int  of  the 
;opy.of  a 
W  which 
mess,  the 


lince  Re- 

g  this 

i^sent  this 

Iciliation. 

Is  Royal 


HISTORY   OF  THE   WAR.  i 


123 


Highness,  to  the  honor  and  interest  of  the  United 
States ;  and  the  undersigned  ventures  to  express  his 
ooiitident  hope,  that  this  decisive  proof  of  the  amica- 
Ikie  sentiments  which  animate  the  councils  of  his 
Royal  Highness  tow-trds  America,  may  accelerate 
the  return  of  amity  and  mulunl  confidence  between 
Great-Britain  and  the  United  States. 

The  undersigned  avails  himself  of  this  opportunity 
to  repeat  to  Mr.  Russell  the  assurances  ot  his  high 
consideration. 

CASTLEREAGH. 

ForeianOJicef  April  21,  ISU. 

[COPY.] 
Mr.  Russell  to  lord  Castlereagh. 

My  Lord — I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the 
receipt  of  the  note  which  your  lordship  addressed  to 
me  on  the  21st  of  this  month,  enclosing,  by  command 
of  liis  Royal  Highness,  the  Prince  Regent,  a  copy 
of  a  declaration  accompanying,  an  Order  in  Council 
which  had  this  day  been  passed. 

It  would  afford  me  the  highest  satisfaction,  in  com- 
municating that  declaration  and  order  to  my  govern- 
ment, to  have  represented  them,  as  conceived  in  the 
true  spirit  of  conciliation  and  with  a  due  regard  to 
the  honor  and  interests  of  the  United  Stales.  I  re- 
gret, however,  that  so  far  from  perceiving  in  them 
any  evidence  of  the  amicable  seiitiments  which  are 
professed  to  animate  the  councils  of  his  Royal  High- 
ness, I  am  compelled  to  consider  them  as  an  unemiivr 
ocal  proof  of  the  determination  of  his  Britannic  Ma- 
jesty's government  to  adhere  to  a  system,  which,  both 
as  to  pnuciple  and  fact,  originated,  and  h^s  been  con- 
tinued in  error;  and  against  which,  the  government 
of  the  United  States,  so  long  as  it  respects  itself  and 
the  essential  rights  of  the  nation  over  which  it  is  placed, 
cannot  cease  to  contend. 

The  United  Stales  have  never  considered  it  their 
duty  to  enquire,  nor  do  they  pretend  to  decide,  whcth* 
er  England  or  France  was  guilty,  in  relation  to  the 
other,  of  the  firet  violation  of  the  public  law  of  nations; 


;  I  V 


ill 


\< 


I 


ll'll 


<•, 


'■\J 


pi 


f     1,1 


124 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR.     > 


1!! 


^ 


but  tbey  do  consider  it  their  must  imperious  duty  to 
protect  themselves  from  the  unjust  operation  of  the 
unprecedented  measure  of  retaliation  professed  by 
both  powers,  to  be  founded  on  such  violation.  In 
this  operation,  by  whichever  party  directed,  the  Unit- 
ed States  have  never  for  a  moment  acquiesced,  nor  by 
the  slightest  indication  of  such  acquiescence,  afllbrd- 
ed  a  pretext,  for  extending  to  them  the  evils,  by  which 
England  and  France  affect  to  retaliate  on  eacn  other. 
They  have  in  no  instance  departed  from  the  observ- 
ance of  that  strict  impartiality  which  their  peaceful 
position  required,  and  which  ought  to  have  secured 
to  them  the  unmolested  enjoyment  of  their  neutrality. 
To  their  astonishment,  however,  they  perceived  that 
both  these  belligeretit  powers,  under  the  pretence  of 
annoying  each  other,  adopted  and  put  in  practice  new 
principles  of  retaliation,  involving  the  destruction  of 
those  commercial  and  maritime  rights  which  the  Unit- 
ed States  regard  as  .essential  and  inseparable  attri- 
butes of  their  independence.  Although  alive  to  all 
the  injury  and  injustice  of  this  system,  the  American 
government  resorted  to  no  measures  to  oppose  it, 
which  were  not  of  the  most  pacific  and  impartial 
character  in  relsttion  to  both  Uie  aggressors.  Its  re- 
monstrances, its  restrictions,  of  commercial  inter'*' 
course,  and  its  overtures  for  accommodation,  were 
equally  addressed  to  England  and  France :  and  if 
there  is  now  an  inequality  iu  the  relations  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  with  these  countries,  it  can  only  be  ascrib- 
ed to  England  herself,  who  rejected  the  terms 
proffered  to  both,  while  France  accepted  them,  and 
who  continues  to  execute  her  retaliatory  Edicts  on 
the  high  seas,  while  those  of  France  have  here  ceased 
to  operate. 

If  Great-Britain  could  not  be  persuaded  by  consid- 
erations of  universal  equality,  to  refrain  from  adupt- 
iuiT  any  line  of  conduct,  however  unjust,  forwhich  she 
mi^ht  discover  a  precedent  in  the  conduct  of  her  en- 
emy, or  to  a'andoii  an  attempt  orrcniotuly  and  unceri 
taiuly  amioyiiig  that  enemy   througli  the  iiuuiediatQ 


niSTORT  OF  THE  WAH. 


125 


)Ose  it> 

I  partial 

lis  re- 

l  inter* 

I,  were 

and  if 

ITnit- 
jascr.b- 

terms 
[n,  and 

icts  on 
Iceased 

:onsid- 
[adopt- 
lich  she 
ier  en- 
|uncer-> 
lediatQ 


and  sure  destruction  of  the  vital  interest  of  a  neutral 
and  unoffending  state,  yet  it  was  confidently  expected 
that  she  would  be  witlings  to  follow  that  enefmy  also  in 
his  return  towards  justice,  and,  firom  a  respect  to  her 
own  declarations,  to  proceed  part  passu  with  him  in 
the  revocation  of  the  offending^  Edicts.  This  just 
«xpectation  has,  however,  been  disappointed,  and  an 
exemption  of  the  flag^  of  the  United  States  from  the 
operation  of  the  Berlin  and  Mdan  Decrees,  has  pro- 
duced no  corresponding  modification  of  the  British 
Orders  in  Council.  On  the  contrary,  the  fact  of  such 
exemption  on  the  part  of  France,  appears,  by  the  de- 
claration and  Order  in  Council  of  the  British  govern- 
ment on  the  2l8t  of  this  nionth,  to  be  denied,  land  the 
engagements  of  the  latter,  to  proceeds  step  by  step, 
with  its  enemy,  in  the  work  of  repeal  and  relaxation, 
to  be  disowned  of  disregarded. 

That  France  has  repealed  her  Decrees  so  far  a^ 
they  respected  the  United  States,  has  been  established 
by  declarations  and  facts,  satisfactory  to  them,  aUd 
which  it  was  presumed  should  have  been  equally  sat^ 
isfactory  to  the  British  government.  A  formal  and 
authentic  declaration  of  the  French  government  com- 
municated to  the  minister  plenipotentiary  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  at  Paris,  on  the  5th  of  August,  1810,  aa- 
nounced  that  the  Decrees  of  Berlin  and  Milan  were 
revoked,  and  should  cease  to  operate  un  the  Ist  of  th^ 
succeeding  November,  provided  that  a  condition  prer 
sented  to  England,  or  another  condition  presented  to 
the  United  States  should  be  performed.  The  condi- 
tion presented  to  the  Untted  States  was  |)erformed', 
and  their  performance  rendered  absolute  the  repeal 
of  the  Decrees.  So  far  therefore,  from  this  repeal 
dependnig  upon  a  couditiou  in  which  Great-Britain 
could  not  acquiesce,  itbeciime  absolute,  independent 
of  any  act  of  Great-Britain,  the  moment  the  act  pro- 
posed for  the  performance  of  the  United  States  was 
accom[>lisi^d.  Such  was  the  construction  given  to 
this  measure  by  tlie  United  Siites  from  the  first ;  and 
that  )t  wiis  a  correct  one  has  been  sufHoieutly  evinced 
by  the  subsequent  practice. 


■nj 


tl! 


i. 


1 


\.i\ 


hm 


w 


126 


HISTORY   OF  THE   VVAK. 


^il 


Sever&\  instances  of  the  acquittal  of  American  ves- 
sels and  cargoes,  to  which  the  Decrees  wouUI  have 
attached,  If  »ti  11  in  force  as^ainst  the  United  States, 
have,  from  time  to  time,  been  presented,  to  his  Brit- 
tannic  Majesty's  government.  That  these  cases 
have  been  few,  is  to  be  ascribed  to  the  few  captures, 
in  consequence  of  this  repeal,  made  by  French  cruiz 
ers :  and  should  no  other  buch  case  occur,  it  would  be 
owing  to  the  efiicacy  of  this  repeal,  and  to  the  exact 
observance  of  it,  even  by  the  most  wanton  and  irreg- 
ular of  those  cruizers. 

From  the  1st  of  November,  1810,  to  the  29th  of 
January  of  the  present  year,  as  appears  by  a  note 
which  1  had  the  honor  to  address  to  the  predecessor 
of  your  lordship,  on  the  8th  of'Februury  last,  the  Ber- 
lin and  Milan  Decrees  had  not  been  applied  to  Amer- 
ican property,  nor  have  1  heard  that  such  application 
has  since  been  made. 

But  against  the  authentic  act  of  the  French  govern- 
ment of  the  dih  of  August,  1810,  and  the  subsequent 
conduct  of  the  government  mutually  explaining  each 
other,  and  conforming  the  construction  adopted  by 
the  United  States,  a  report  said  to  be  communicated 
by  the  French  minister  of  forei<^n  affairs  to  the  con- 
servate  senate,  is  opposed.  Without  pretending  to 
doubt  the  genuineness  of  that  report,  although  it  has 
reached  this  country  only  in  a  newspaper,  yet  it  is  to  be 
lamented  thatas  much  form  and  evidence  of  authenti- 
city have  not  been  required,  in  an  act  considered  as 
furnishing  cause  for  the  continuance  of  the  Order'*  in 
(Bouncil,  as  an  act  which  by  the  very  terms  of  the«e 
Orders  challenged  their  revocation.— The  act  of  the 
6th  of  August,  1810,  emanating  from  the  sovereign  of 
France,  ofhcially  communicated  to  the  British  govern- 
ment, and  satisfactorily  expounded  and  explained  by 
tl«e  practical  comments  of  more  than  eighteen  months, 
IS  denied  to  alford  convincing  evidence  of  the  repeal 
of  the  French  Decees,  while  i'wW  proof  of  their  con- 
tinuance is  inlerrjd  IVoni  a  report,  whi<;1i,  from  its 
S'ery  nature,  must  contain  the  mere  opinions  and  spe- 

vCJ'iKj  J;;'3lij>.;rM/ig  "»ti 


cnlatic 

ity  unt 

sented, 

authen 

and  foi 

nient  J 

thus  asi 

discove 

it  incon 

conduci 

United 

very  exi 

who  do 

undoubt 

Slates,  (1 

of  that  re 

France  t 

Decrees 

terms  en 

meaning 

the  enga 

justice  ar 

Your  I 

acknowh 

in  this  Jig 

^he  same 

1810,  by 

present  Fi 

the  count 

to  Ihe  emr 

not  to  be  c 

Jis  Englan 

long  vonr 

'  the  Been 

the  Orders 

to  speak, < 

them  for  h( 

PHlladium 

i,^uage  is  a. 

i^ larch  and 


I'!!'   *r= 


M 


HISTOItY  CF  THE  WAR. 


I2t 


ves- 
have 
tiltes, 
Brit- 
cases 
lures, 
cruiz 
lid  be 
exact 
irreg- 

9lh  of 
i  note 
jcessor 
le  Ber- 
Amer- 
iication 

govern- 
sequenl 
ig  each 
fpleil  by 
inicaled 
phe  con- 
iding  to 
;h  it  has 
ft  is  to  be 
[uthenti- 
lered  as 
irder*  in 
|of  these 
of  the 
Ire^.gn  of 
igovern- 
ined  by 
[monihs, 
3  repeal 
ir  con- 
tVoin  i*s 
ind  spe- 


culations of  a  subject  which  is  destitute  of  all  author- 
ity until  acted  upun  by  the  body  to  which  it  was  pre- 
sented, which  has  found  its  way  hither  in  no  more 
authentic  shape  than  the  columns  of  the  Moniteur, 
and  for  the  proper  understanding  of  which  not  a  mo- 
ment has  been  allowed. — But  even  were  the  cause 
thus  assigned  to  the  i-eport  just,  it  is  still  difficult  to 
discover  what  inference  can  be  fairly  deduced  from 
it  incompatible  with  the  previous  declarations  and 
conduct  of  the  French  government  exempting  the 
United  Stales  from  the  operation  of  its  Decrees.  The 
very  exception  in  that  report  with  regard  to  nations 
who  do  not  suffer  their  flag  lo  be  denationalized,  was 
undoubtedly  made  with  reference  lo  the  United 
Slates,  and  with  n  view  to  reconcile  the  general  tenor 
of  that  report  with  the  good  faith  with  which  it  became 
France  to  observe  the  conventional  repeal  of  those 
Decrees  in  their  favor.  However  novel  may  be  the 
terms  employed,  or  whatever  may  be  their  precise 
meaning,  they  ought  to  be  interpreted  to  accord  with 
the  engagements  of  the  French  government,  and  with 
justice  and  good  faith. 

Your  lordship  will,  I  doubt  not,  the  more  readily 
acknowledge  the  propriety  of  considering  the  report 
ia  this  light,  by  a  riefcrence  to  similar  reports  made  to 
the  same  conservative  senate,  on  the  13th  of  Dec. 
1810,  by  the  duke  of  Cadore  (the  predecessor  of  the 
present  Fr-^nch  minister  of  exterior  relations)  and  by 
the  count  dc  Simonville.  In  these  reports  they  say 
to  Ihe  emperor,  (which  proves  that  such  reports  are 
not  to  be  considered  as  dictated  by  him)  *  Sire,  as  long 
us  England  shall  perist  in  her  Orders  in  Council,  so 
long  your  Majesty  will  persist  in  your  Decrees,'  and 
'  the  Decrees  of  Berlin  and  Milan  are  an  answer  to 
the  Orders  in  Council.  I'he  British  cnbinet,  has,  thuM 
to  speak,  dictated  them  to  France.  Europe  receives 
tliem  for  her  code,  and  this  code  shall  become  the 
palladium  of  the  liberty  of  the  seas.'  Surely  this  lan- 
«(uage  is  as  strong  as  that  of  Ihe  report  of  the  10th,  of 
iMarch  and  still  more  absoU'te  ;  torthei'e  is  no  quaii- 


:1( 


m 


\< 


'  .'i 


128 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


* 


fication  in  it  in  favor  of  any  nation;  this  lanforuage  has 
bolb,  by  ai;  explanation  of  the  duke  of  Cadore  to 
inc  at  the-  same  time,  and  by  the  uniform  conduct  of 
the  French  government  since,  been  reconciled  with 
the  repeal  of  these  Decrees,  so  far  as  they  concerned 
the  United  States. 

Had  the  French  Decrees  originally  afforded  an 
adequate  foundation  fur  the  British  Orders  in  Council, 
and  been  continued  after  tliese  reports,  in  full  force, 
iind  extent,  surely  durini*'  a  period  in  which  above  a 
hundred  American  vessels  and  their  cargoes  have  faU 
Icn  a  prey  to  these  Orders,  some  one  solitary  instance 
of  capture  and  coutiscation  niUNlhave  happened  under 
those  Decrees.  That  no  such  instance  his  happened 
incontrovertibly  proves  either  that  those  Decrees  aro 
of  themselves  harmless,  or  that  they  have  been  repeal- 
ed; and  in  either  case  they  can  afford  no  rightful  plea 
or  pretext  for  Great-Britain,  for  these  measures  uf  pre- 
tended retaliation,  whose  sole  eflect  is  to  lay  waste 
the  neutral  commerce  of  America. 

With  the  remnant  of  those  Decrees,  which  is  still 
in  force,  and  which  consists  of  municipal  regulations, 
coniined  in  their  operation  within  the  proper  and  un- 
deniable jurisdiction  of  the  States  where  they  areexe^ 
cuted  the  XJ*^'^^^  States  have  no  concern  ;  nor  do 
they  acknowIc^g^<^  themselves  to  be  under  any  politi- 
cal obligation,  cither  to  examine  into  the  ends  {impos- 
ed to  be  attained  by  this  surviving  portion  of  the  con- 
tinental system*  ov  to  oppose  their  accomplishment. 
Whatever  may  be  intended  to  be  done  in  regard  to 
other  nationsby  this  system,  cannot  be  imputed  to  the 
United  States,  nor  are  they  to  be  made  responsible, 
while  they  religiously  observe  the  obligations  of  their 
neutrality  for  the  mode  in  which  belligerent  nations 
may  choose  to  exercise  their  power,  for  the  injury  of 
each  other.  When,  however,  these  nations  exceed 
thejust  limits  of  their  power  by  the  invasion  of  the 
rights  of  peaceful  states  on  the  ocean  which  is  subject 
to  the  common  and  equal  jurisdiction  of  all  nations, 
the  United  States  cannot  remain  indifferent,  and  by 


3ttietly  i 
iction, 
respecte 
Edicts  0 
Edicts  ii 
and  of  c 
to  acquii 
to  contei 
spect  for 
ration  of 
empuon 
OrderLS,  i 
applied  t 
that  they 
the  Deer 
taliate. 

It  is  wi 

States  ha 

believed 

tions  of  ri 

ed   to  yoi 

therefore, 

fessing  to 

her  intent 

until  some 

by  the  Fr 

andMilai] 

repealed. 

States  int 

compatibl 

is  due  to  t 

to  falsify  t 

tion  with  t 

ed  by  abu 

ance,  and 

,cy  of  that 

its  mode  o 

with  the  re 

suj>posed  t 


I 


I  f 


Ill 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


130 


ropos- 
le  con- 
ment. 
arti  to 
to  the 
nsible, 
i  their 
lalions 
jury  of 
xceed 
the 
ubject 
aliens, 
nd  by 


Stiietly  Consenting  to  yield  up  their  share  of  this  juris- 
iction,  abandon  their  maritime  right8.-^France  has 
respected  these  rights  by  the  discontinuance  of  her 
Edicts  on  the  high  seas ;  leaving  no  part  of  these 
Edicts  in  operation  to  the  injury  of  the  United  States; 
and  of  course,  no  part  in  which  they  can  be  supposed 
to  acquiesce,  or  against  which  they  can  be  required 
to  contend.  They  ask  Great-Britain,  by  a  like  re- 
spect for  their  rights,  to  exempt  them  from  the  ope- 
ration of  her  Orders  in  Council.  Should  such  ex- 
emp'.ion  involve  the  total  practical  extinction  of  these 
Ordert\  it  will  only  prove  that  they  were  exclusively 
applied  to  the  commerce  of  the  United  States,  and 
that  they  had  not  a  single  feature  of  resemblance  to 
the  Decrees,  against  which  they  are  professed  to  re- 
taliate. 

It  is  with  patience  and  confidence  that  the  United 
States  have  expected  this  exemption,  and  which  they 
believed  themselves  entitled,  by  all  those  considera- 
tions of  right  and  promise,  which  I  have  freely  stat- 
ed to  your  lordship.  With  what  disappointment, 
therefore,  must  they  learn  that  Great-Britain,  in  pro- 
fessing to  do  away  their  disaffection,  explicitiv  avows 
her  intention  to  persevere  in  her  Orders  in  Council, 
until  some  authentic  act  hereafter  to  be  promulgated 
by  the  French  government,  shall  declare  the  Berlin 
and  Milan  Decrees  are  expressly  and  unconditionally 
repealed.  To  obtain  such  an  act  can  the  United 
States  interfere?  Would  such -an  interference  be 
compatible  either  with  a  sense  of  justice  or  with  what 
is  due  to  their  own  dignity  ?  Can  they  be  expected 
to  falsify  their  repeated  declarations  ot  their  satisfac- 
tion With  the  act  of  the  dth  of  August,  1810,  confirm- 
ed by  abundant  evidence  of  its  subsequent  observ- 
ance, and  by  now  affecting  to  doubt  of  the  sufficien- 
cy of  that  act,  to  demand  another,  which  in  its  form, 
its  mode  of  publication,  and  its  import,  shall  accord 
with  the  requisitions  ot  Great-Britam  ?  And  can  it  be 
supposed  that  the  French  govcrniyient  would  listen  to 
17 


\r' 


[mi 


III  i 


lau 


UlS'l'OHY  QV  THB  WAK. 


;k 


IS 


f:    ■'! 


Ill 


such  a  proposal  made  under  such  circumslances^  and 
with  such  a  vieW?  i  n^ii.  iMbftnn  . .     i  i. 

While,  therefore,  I  can  perceive  no  reason,  in  the 
re|)ortof  the  French  minister,  of  the  lOkh  of  March, 
to  believti  that  the  United  States  erroneously  assumed 
the  repeal  of  the  French  Decrees,  to  be  complete  in 
relation  to  them ;  while  aware  that  the  condition  of 
which  the  Orders  in  Council  is  now  distinctly  made 
to  dependvis  the  total  repeal  of  both  the  Berlin  and  Mi- 
lan Decrees,  instead  as  formerly  of  the  Berlin  Decree 
only  ;  and  while  I  feel  that  to  ask  the  performance 
of  this  condition  from  otheis,  inconsistent  with  the 
honor  of  the  United  States,  and  to  perform  it  them^^ 
selves  beyond  their  power ;  your  lordship  will  per- 
mit me  frankly  to  avow  thai  1  cannot  accompany  the 
communication  to  mv  government,  of  the  declaration 
and  Order  in  Council  of  the  21st  of  this  month,  with 
any  felicitation  on  the  prospect  which  this  measure 
presents  of  an  accellerated  return  of  amity  and  mu< 
tual  confidence  between  the  two  states. 

It  is  with  real  pain  that  I  make  to  your  lordship 
this  avowal,  and  I  will  seek  still  to  confide  in  the 
spint  which  your  lordship  in  your  note,  and  in  the 
conversation  of  this  morning,  has  been  pleased  to  say 
actuates  the  councils  of  his  Royal  Highness  in  rela« 
tion  to  America,  and  still  to  cherish  a  hope  th&i.  the 
spirit  will  lead,  upon  a  review  of  the  whole  ground, 
to  measures  of  a  nature  better  calculated  to  attain  '..ois 
object,  and  that  this  object  will  no  longer  be  made  tu 
depend  on  the  conduct  of  a  third  power,  or  contingen- 
cies over  which  the  United  States  have  no  controul, 
but  alone  upon  the  rights  of  the  United  States,  the 
justice  of  Great-Britam,  and  the  common  interests 
of  both. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

(Signed)  JONATHAN  RUSSELL. 


mA  '.- 


rli-f'^-' 


, ,--  **   *■_  M     ji 


At  the 

April,  18 

Regent  i 

Whri 

cial  repoi 

affairs  to 

March  It 

nf  that  g( 

in  the  ma 

the  mariti 

British  en 

independc 

plainly  de 

that  systei 

and  Milan 

And  wl 

his  reading 

thereupon, 

should  be  i 

the  commc 

tomed  cou 

His  Ro; 

to  give  till 

ness'  dispo 

Majesty  8 ) 

the  behalf 

of  his  Maj« 

and  it  is  he 

time  herea 

some  anthe 

promujgati 

pealed,  the 

Council  of 

Order   in  ( 

shall,  witht 

hereby  dec 


HISTORY   OF  THE   WAR. 


lai 


\The  foUowing  Order  in  Council  should  have  been 
inserted  in  pat/e  123.] 

I'M..  '. 

OUDER  IN  COUNCIL. 

At  the  Court  at  Garlton-HoiMe,  the  21  «t  dny  of 
April,  1812,  present  his  Ruyul  Highness  the  Prince 
Reiifent  in  Council. 

WHBRBASthe  government  of  France  has,  by  anofii« 
cial  report,  cummunicated  by  its  minister  of  Foreign 
affairs  to  the  conservative  Senate,  on  the  10th  of 
March  last,  removed  all  doubts  as  to  the  perseverance 
of  that  government  in  the  assertion  of  principles,  and 
in  the  maintenance  of  a  system,  not  more  hostile  to 
the  maritime  rights  and  commerci^^l  interest  of  the 
British  empire,  than  inconsistent  with  the  rights  and 
independence  of  neutral  nations,  and  has  thereby 
plainly  developed  the  inordinate  pretensions  which 
that  system,  as  promulgated  in  the  Decrees  of  Berlin 
and  Milan,  was  from  the  tirst  designed  to  enforce. 

And  whereas  his  Majesty  bus  invariably  profr^sed 
his  readiness  to  revoke  the  Orders  In  Council  udo[>ted 
thereupon,  as  soon  as  the  said  Decrees  of  the  enemy 
should  be  formally  and  unconditionally  repealed,  and 
the  commerce  of  neutral  nations  restored  to  its  nccus-* 
tomed  course :  > 

His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent  (nnxious 
to  give  the  most  decisive  proof  of  His  Royul  High- 
ness' disposition  to  perform  the  engagements  of  his 
Majesty  s  government)  is  pleased,  in  the  name  and  on 
the  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  and  by  and  with  the  advice 
of  his  Majesty's  Privy  Council,  to  order  and  declare, 
and  it  is  hereby  ordered  and  declared  that  if,  at  any^ 
time  hereafter,  the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees  shall  by 
some  authentic  act  of  the  French  government,  poijlicly 
promulgated,  be  absolutely  and  unconditionally  re- 
pealed, then,  and  from  thenceforth,  the  Ordep  in 
Council  of  the  7th  day  of  January,  1807,  and  the 
Order  in  Council  of  the  26th  day  of  April,  180», 
!)hall,  without  arty  further  order,  be,  and  the  same  arc 
hereby  declared  from  thenceforth  to  be  wholly  and 


II 


i;  i 


1^ 


iJi 


ill' 


I  ■ 


f 


i,i 


'•!i 


lii 

!     I 

:!1 


Ti 


132 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


absolutely  revoked ;  and  further,  that  tlie  full  benefit 
of  this  order  shall  be  extended  to  any  ship  or  cargo 
captured  subsequent  to  such  authentic  act  of  repeal 
of  the  French  Decrees,  although  antecedent  to  such 
repeal  such  ship  or  vessel  shall  have  oommenoed  and 
shall  have  been  in  the  prosecution  of  a  voyage  which, 
under  the  said  Orders  in  Council,,  or  one  of  them, 
would  have  subjected  her  to  capture  and  condeinna- 
tion ;  and  the  claimant  of  any  ship  or  cargo  which 
shall  be  captured  or  brought  to  adjudication,  on  ac- 
count of  any  alleged  breach  of  either  of  the  said  Or- 
ders in  Council,  at  any  time  subsequent  to  such  au- 
thentic act  of  repeal  by  the  French  government,  shall 
without  any  further  Order  or  Declaratipn  on  the  part 
,af  his  Majesty's  government  on  this  subject,  be  at  lib- 
erty to  giveinevidence  in  the  high  C^mrts  of  ^dini- 
ralty»  or  any  Court  of  Vice- Admiralty*  before  which 
such  ship  or  cargo  shall  be  brought  for  adjudication, 
that  such  repeal  by  tl^e  Frenph  gqverniqeut  had  been, 
by  such  authentic  act,  promulgated  prior  to. jsuch 
capture ;  and  upon  proof  thereof,  the  voyage  shall  be 
deemed  and  taken  to  have  been  a^  lawful  as  if  the 
said  Orders  in  Council  had  never  been  made  :  saving, 
nevertheless,  to  the  paptors,  such  protection  and  in- 
demnity as  they  may  be  equitably  entitled  to  in  the 
judgment  of  the  said  Court,  by  reason  pf  their  ignor- 
ance, of  unpertaiiity  as  to.  the  repeal  of  the  French 
Decrees,  or  of  the  recognition  qf  such  repeal  by  his 
Majesty's  government  at  the  time  of  such  capture. 

His  iioyal  Highness,  bqwever,  deems  it  proper  to 
declare,  that  should  the  repeal, pf  the  French  Decrees, 
thus  anticipated  and  provided  for,  prove  {^tterwards 
to  have  been  illusory  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  ;  and 
should  tl|e  restrictions  thereof  be  still  practically  en- 
forced, or  revived  by  the  enemy;  Great-Britaiu  will 
be  compelled^  however  reluctantly,  aftt^r  reasonable 
iiotice,  to  have  recourse  to  such  measures  of  retalia- 
tion as  may  then  appear  to  be  ju^t  and  necessary. 

And  the  Right  Huiiorable  the  lords  commission- 
ers ot'his  Majesty's  treasury,  his  Majesty's  principi^^ 


HISTORY  OF  THB  WAR. 


133 


Secretaries  of  state,  the  lords  Comniis.sion6rs  of  the 
Admiralty,  and  the  Judges  of  the  hig^h  Coivrt  of  Adi» 
miralty,  and  the  Judges  of  the  Courts  of  Vice- Admi- 
ralty, are  to  take  the  necessary  measures  therein  as  to 
them  shall  respectively  appertain. 

CHETWYND. 

Previous  to  the  Declaration  of  War,  Gen.  Hull, 
with  about  two  thousand  men,  was  ordered  to  proceed 
to  Detroit. — ^The  army  arrived  at  the  head  of  Lake 
Erie,  about  the  time  war  was  declared ;.  and  several 
officers,  and  ladies,  with  the  baggage  of  the  General 
Officers,  proceeded  down  the  Lake  to  Detroit,  in  a 
gun  vessel.— >The  British  received  the  news  of  the 
war  before  Gen.  Hull,  and  sent  a  brig  in  pursuit  of 
his  baggage,  which  succeeded  in  capturing  her,  and 
carried  her  into  Maiden.-^— The  British  commander 
sent  the  ladies  over  to  Detroit,  in  a  flag  of  truce, 
which  was  the  first  intelligence  they  had  received  oi' 
the  war.  , ..  •-.;'.-i/„p 

Gen.  Hull,  after  concentrating  his  forces,  at  Detroit, 
crossed  over  the  river  to  Sandwich,  and  issued  the 
following  singular  General  Order.  _  . 


1  ^i .»- 


^T^ 


ft 


s'M'tf;  BY   WIT.LIASI   HUI«L, 

Brigadier  General  and  Commander  of  the  A'bWA' 
Western  ^rmy  of  the .  United  States  f  ~ 
-♦  A  PROCLAMATION.  b^;: 

Inhabitants  op  Caii^aii^!       -ft-'rAk^  ivKi,«;-,;nri.' 

After  thirty  years  of  peace  and  prosperity,  tlie 
United  Slates  have  been  driven  to  arms.  The  injur 
ries  and  aggressions,  the  insults  and  indignities  of 
Oreat-Britain  have  once  more  left  them  no  alterna- 
live  but  manly  resistance,  or  unconditional  submis^; 
sion.  The  army  under  nay  command  has  invaded 
your  country  \  the  standard  of  the  Onion  now  waves 
over  the  territory  of  Canada.  To  the  peaceable  un- 
offending inhabitant,  it  brings  neither  danger  nor  dif- 
ficulty. I  come  tu  tind  enemies,  not  to  make  themr 
I  come  to  protect,  not  to  injure  you. 


i  1' 

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184 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


'  Separated  by  an  immense  ocean  and  an  extensive 
wilderness  from  Great-Britain,  you  have  no  partici> 
pation  in  her  councils,  no  interest  in  her  conduct 
V ou  have  felt  her  tyranny,  you  have  seen  her  injus- 
tice. But  I  do  not  ask  you  to  avenge  the  one,  or  to 
redress  the  other.  The  United  States  are  sufficiently 
powerful  to  afford  every  security,  consistent  with  their 
ri^ts  and  your  expectations.  (  tender  you  the  in- 
valuable blessing  of  civil,  political  and  religious  lib- 
erty, and  their  necessary  result,  individnal  and  gen- 
eral prosperity ;  that  liberty  which  gave  decision  to 
our  councils,  and  energy  to  our  conduct  in  a  struggle 
for  independence,  which  conducted  us  safely  and 
triumphantly  through  the  stormy  period  t^T  the  revo- 
lution— that  liberty  which  has  raised  us  to  an  elevated 
rank  among  the  nations  of  the  world ;  and  which  af- 
forded us  a  greater  measure  of  peace  and  security, 
of  wealth  and  improvement,  than  ever  fell  to  the  lot 
of  any  people.  In  the  name  of  my  country,  and  the 
authority  of  government,  I  promise  you  protection  to 
your  persons,  property  and  rights ;  remain  at  yotu* 
homeiB ;  pursue  your  peaceful  and  customary  avoca- 
tions ;  raise  not  your  hands  against  your  brethren. 
Many  of  your  fathers  fought  for  the  freedom  and  in<- 
dependence  we  now  enjoy.  Being  children  therefore 
of  the  same  family  with  us,  and  heirs  to  the  same 
heritage,  the  arrival  of  an  army  of  friends  must  be 
hailed  by  you  with  a  cordial  welcome. — You  will  he 
emancipated  from  tyranny  and  oppression,  and  re- 
stored to  the  dignified  station  of  freedom. — Had  I 
any  doubt  of  eventual  success,  I  might  ask  your  as- 
sistance, but  I  do  not.  I  come  prepared  for  every 
contingency — I  have  a  force  which  will  break  down 
all  opposition,  and  that  force  is  but  the  van-guard  of  a 
much  greater  .--If,  contrary  to  your  own  interest  and  the 
just  expectations  of  my  country,  you  should  take  part 
in  the  approaching  contest,  you  will  be  considered  and 
treated  as  enemies,  and  the  hon-ors  and  calamities  of 
•war  will  stalk  before  you.  If  the  barbarous  and  sav- 
age policy  of  Great-Britain  be  pursued,  amUhesavn- 


■'! 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WABi 


135 


)ur  as- 


g^sarelet  loose  to  murder  our  citizens  and  butcher 
our  women  and  children,  this  war  nriU  be  a  nvar  of 
extermination.  The  first  stroke  of  the  tomahawk--* 
the  first  attempt  with  the  scalping  kiiife,  will  be  th«! 
signal  of  one  indiscriminate  scene  of  desokttion.  No 
white  man  found  fighting  by  the  side  of  an  Indian 
will  be  taken  prisoner — instant  death  will  be  his  lot. 
If  the  dictates  of  reason,  duty,  justice,  and  humanity, 
cannot  prevent  the  employment  of  a  force  which  re* 
spects  no  rights,  and  knows  no  wrong,  it  will  be  pre* 
vented  by  a  severe  and  relentless  system  of  retaliation. 
i  doubt  not  your  courage  and  fimtness — I  will  not 
doubt  your  attachment  to  liberty.  If  you  tender 
your  services  voluntarily,  they  will  be  accefited  read* 
ily.  The  United  Stales  offer  you  peace,  libeirty,  and 
security.  Your  choice  lies  between  these  and  war« 
slavery  and  destruction. — Choose  then;  but  choose 
wisely ;  and  may  He  who  knows  the  justice  of  our 
cause,  and  who  holds  in  his  hand  the  fate  of  nations, 
g:uide  you  to  a  result  the  most  compatible  with  your 
rights  and  interests,  your  peace  and  huppiness. 

'  By  the  General, 

A.  P.  HULL, 
Captain  of  the  IQth  United  States*  regiment  qflnr 

fantry,  and  Aid'de^anya.       ¥ 

Head-Quarters,  Sandmichf  Jufy  12,  1812; 

WILLIAM  HULL.    . 

On  the  10th  of  July,  Colonels  Cass  and  Miller,  at* 
tempted  to  surprise  a  British  post,  300  strong,  at  a 
bridge  about  five  miles  from  Maiden. — They  were 
discovered  by  the  British,  and  after  a  slight  skirmish. 
the  British  retreated,  leaving  eleven  men  killed  and 
wounded,  on  the  tield  ;  our  troops  returned  to  head* 
quarters,  at  Sandwich,  and  the  British  re-posted  them* 
selves  again,  at  the  bridge.  On  the  19th  and  i4\h 
there  was  considerable  skirmishing,  with  trifling  suc- 
cess, on  either  side — our  loss  was  six  men  kill^  and 
HTQunded — the  British  and  Indians,  lo»t  sixteen  killed, 
and  several  wounded. 


iiii 


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136 


HISTORY  OF  THE  VfAVi. 


i  4 


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^iii 


1   5       -!! 
\ 


i 


Hi! 


Soon  after  General  Hull  had  crossed  from  Detroit, 
into  Canada,  and  had  issued  his  Proclamation,  the 
greater  part  of  the  Militia  of  the  neighboring'  country 
gave  themselves  up  to  his  protection,  or  relumed 
home  peaceably,  resolving  to  stand  neutral,  in  the 
contest. — .Large  bodiesof  the  Savage  tribes  offered 
their  services  to  Gen.  Hull,  previous  to  his  leaving 
Detroit,  but  he  informed  them  that  he  was  not  autho- 
lised  to  accept  them,  and  wished  them  to  remain  si- 
lent spectators,  and  not  engage  on  either  side  ;  but 

this  was   not    their     choice they     immediately 

crossed  overto  Maiden,  where  they  were  accepted, 
and  put  into  service  by  the  British  ;  which  circum- 
stance contributed  largely  to  overthrow  Gen.  Hull, 
as  will  be  seen  by  his  oiHcial  account  of  the  suri^ender 
of  Detroit  and  Michigan  Territory,  which  we  gi'  e 
tit  full  length,  with  the  remonstrance  against  his  con- 
duct, of  several  officers  under  his  command. 

Capt.  Hull's  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of 

THE  Navy. 
United  Hiates  Fr^ate  Coiistitution,\ 
Jd-Bi    "i  off  Boslm  LighU  AugrdQy  1812.  j 

€IR~I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  on  the  lOtli 
instant,  at  2  p.  m.  being  in  latitude  41,  42,  longitude 
55, 48,  with  the  Constitutioii,  under  my  c(;.:imancl,  u 
sail  was  discovered  from  the  mast-head  bearing  E.  by 
S.  or  £.  S.  £.  but  at  such  a  distance  we  could  not 
tell  what  she  was.  All  sail  was  instantly  made  in 
chase,  and  soon  found  mo  came  up  with  her.  At  3 
P.  M.  could  plainly  see  that  she  was  a  ship  on  the  star* 
board  tack,  under  easy  sail,  close  on  a  wind  ;  at  half 
past  3  P.  M.  made  her  out  to  be  a  Frigate ;  continued 
the  chase  until  we  were  within  about  three  miles,  when 
I  ordered  the  light  sails  taken  in,  the  courses  hauled 
•up,  and  the  ship  cleared  for  action.  At  this  time  the 
chase  had  backed  his  main-topsail,  waiting  for  us  to 
come  down.  As  soon  as  the  Constitution  was  leudy 
for  a^'tion,  I  bore  down  witli  an  intention  to  bring  him 


to  close  a 

gun-shot 

wore,  gi 

without  € 

wearing ; 

an  hour, 

could  not 

and  gib, 

made  sail 

utes  betbi 

tol  shot,  \ 

guns,  dot 

well  dire< 

in  15  min 

his  main-; 

sails,  very 

with  equa 

tnain-mosl 

spar,  exce 

ed  firing,  s 

side  the  ei 

standing, 

shattered, 

ried  her  d< 

After  in 

riere,  com 

had  been  t 

ces,  so  as  t 

the  short  s| 

of  the  gall 

ship's  com 

remains,  tl 

fought  wit 

pleasure  to 

to  the  oldes 

all  >yent  in 

ing  to  be  \\ 

Enclose! 

led  and  w( 

report  of  tl 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


137 


to  close  actio  immediately  ;  but  on  our  coming  within 
gun-shot  she  gave  us  a  broadside,  and  filed  away,  and 
wore,  giving  us  a  broadside  On  the  other  tack,  but 
without  effect ;  her  shot  falling  short.  She  continued 
wearing  and  manoeuvring  for  about  three  quarters  of 
an  hour,  to  get  a  raking  position,  but  finding  she 
could  not,  she  bore  up,  and  run  under  her  top-sails 
and  gib,  with  the  wind  on  the  quarter.  Immediately 
made  sail  to  bring  the  ship  tip  with  her,  and  5  min- 
utes before  six,  p.  M.  being  along  side  within  half  pis- 
tol shot,  we  commenced  a  heavy  fire  from  all  our 
guns,  double  shotted  with  round  and  grape,  and  so 
well  directed  were  they,  and  so  warmly  kept  up,  that 
in  15  minutes  his  mizen-mast  went  by  the  board  and 
his  main-yard  in  the  slings,  and  the  hull,  rigging,  and 
sails,  very  much  torn  to  pieces.  The  fire  was  kept  up 
with  equal  warmth  for  15  minutes  longer,  when  his 
main-mast  and  foremast  went,  taking  with  them  every 
spar,  excepting  the  bowsprit :  on  seeing  this  we  ceas- 
ed firing,  so  that  in  30  minutes  after  we  got  fairly  along- 
side the  enemy,  she  Surrendered,  and  had  not  a  spar 
standing,  and  her  hull,  below  and  above  water,  so 
shattered,  that  a  few  more  broadsides  must  have  car- 
ried her  down. 

After  informing  you  that  so  fine  a  ship  as  the  Gur- 
riere,  commanded  by  an  able  and  experienced  officer, 
had  been  totally  dismasted,  and  otherwise  cut  to  pie- 
ces, so  as  to  make  her  not  worth  towing  into  port,  in 
the  short  space  of  30  minutes,  you  can  have  no  doubt 
of  the  gallantry  and  good  conduct  of  the  officers  and 
ship's  company  I  have  the  honor  to  command ;  it  only 
remains,  therefore,  for  me  to  assure  you,  that  they  all 
fought  with  grepl  bravery  ;  and  it  gives  me  great 
pleasure  to  say,  that  from  the  smallest  boy  in  the  ship 
to  the  oldest  seaman,  not  a  look  of  fear  was  seen.  They 
all  went  into  action,  giving  three  cheers  and  request- 
ing to  be  laid  close  along  side  the  enemy. 

Enclosed  I  have  the  honor  to  send  yOu  a  list  of  kil- 
led and  wounded  on  board  the  Constitution,  and  a 
report  of  the  damages  she  has  sustained  ;  also  a  list 

18 


!• 


m 


m^ 


i)i.-a'/ 


138 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WA». 


'      ^■/i! 


M' 


l. 


^■I'l 


of  the  killed  and  wounded  on  board  the  enemy,  ivith 
his  quarter  bill,  &c. 

1  have  the  honor  to  be^  with  very  great  respect,  sir, 
your  obedient  servant, 

ISAAC  HULL. 
To  tho  hon.  Paul  Hamilton^  ^c. 

Return  of  Killed  and  Wounded  on  board  tlie  U.  & 

FrUfate  CONSTITUTION.  i 

»  5      Killed.    Seven.  ,  ..    .;>!-,ii    .. 

Wounded.     Seven*  >  : 

Total. killed  and  wounded  Fourteen.  -  >' 

List  of  Kitledf  Wounded,  and  missina,  on  board  the 
GVERRIERE, 
Killed.    Fifteen. 
.M      Wounded.    Sixty-two.  t  ....     .,.» 

Missing.    Twenty-four.* 
Total  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  101. 


■'  'i.i' 


.M'l 


ORDERS  IN  COUNCIL  REVOKED. 

At  the  Court  at  Carlton  House,  the  2dd  day  of 
June,  present,  his  Royal  Highness,  the  Prince  Re- 
gent in  Council.  u  .s  I  'u>5;  A 

Whereas  his  Royal  Highness,  the  Prince  Regent 
was  pleased  to  declare,  in  the  name  and  on  behalf  of 
his  Majesty,  on  the  21$ t  of  April,  1812,  *  That  if  at 
any  time  hereafter,  the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decree* 
shall  by  some  authentic  act  of  the  French  government, 
publicly  promulgated,  )e  absolutely  and  uncondition- 
ally repealed,  then,  ar.d  from  thence,  the  Order  in 
Council  of  the  7lh  of  Jmuary,  1807,  and  the  Order 
in  Council  of  the  26lh  Oi'  April,  1809,  shall  without 
any  further  order,  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby  declar- 
ed from  thenceforth  to  be  wholly  and  absolutely  re- 
voked.* 

*  Supposed  to  have  gone  overboard  with  the  masts. 


HISTORY  OF  IHE  WAR. 


189 


!cree» 

jrnment, 

Indition- 

Irder  in 

Order 

without 

declar- 

itely  re- 


lasis. 


And  whereas  the  charf^e  d'afFHJi's  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  resident  at  this  Court,  did,  on  the 
21l^  day  of  May  last,  transmit  to  lord  viscount  Cnstle- 
reagh,  one  of  his  Majesty's  principal  Secretaries,  a 
copy  of  a  certain  instrument,  then  fur  the  first  lime 
communicated  to  this  Court,  purporting  to  be  a  De- 
cree passed  >>y  the  government  of  France,  on  the  28th 
day  of  April,  1811,  hy  which  the  Decrees  of  Berlin 
ana  Milan  are  declared  to  be  definitely  no  longer  in 
force  in  regard  to  American  vessels : 

And  whereas  his  Royal  Highness,  the  Prince  Re- 
gent, although  he  cannot  consider  the  tenur  of  said 
instrument  as  satisfying  the  conditions  set  forth  in  the 
said  Order  of  tiie  21st  of  April  last,  upon  which  the 
said  Orders  were  to  cease  and  determine,  is  neverthe- 
less disposed,  on  his  part,  to  take  such  measures  as 
may  tend  to  re-establish  the  intercourse  between  neu- 
tral and  belligerent  nations,  upon  its  accustomed  prin- 
ciples, his  Royal  Highness,  the  Prince  Regent,  in  the 
name  and  on  the  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  is  therefore 
pleased,  by  and  with  the  advice  of  his  Majesty's  privy 
council,  to  order  and  declare,  and  it  is  hereby  order- 
ed and  declared,  that  the  Order  in  Council  bearing 
date  the  7th  day  of  January,  1807,  >«,nd  the  Order  in 
Council  bearing  date  the  26th  day  of  April,  1809,  be 
revoked,  so  far  as  may  regard  American  vessels  ai^d 
their  cargoes,  being  American  property,  from  the  1st 
day  of  August  next. 

But  whereas  by  certain  acts  of  the  government  of 
the  United  States  of  America,  all  British  armed  ves- 
sels areexcluded  from  the  harbors  and  waters  of  the 
said  United  Stales,  the  armed  vessels  of  France  being 
permitted  to  enter  therein,  and  the  commercial  inter- 
course between  Great-Britain  and  the  said  United 
Stfttes  is  interdicted,  the  commercial  intercourse  be- 
tween France  and  the  said  United  States  having  been 
restored :  his  Royal  Highnoss,  the  Prnice  Regent  is 
pleased  hereby  further  to  declare,  in  the  name^nd  on 
the  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  that  if  the  governneiit  of 
the  said  United  States  shall  not  as  soon  as  may  be. 


']  'i\ 

^^i 

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140 


HISTOP .Y   or  TUB  WAB. 


ii  I'l 


I 


ii 


'  # 


hff 


■Hi  I 


ii   : 


after  this  order  shall  have  been  duly  notified  by  his 
Majesty's  minister  in  America  to  the  said  government, 
revoke  or  cause  to  be  revoked  the  said  acts,  this  pre> 
sent  Order  shall,  in  that  case,  after  clear  notice  signi- 
fied by  his  Majesty's  minister  in  America,  to  the  said 
government,  be  thenceforth  null  and  of  no  effect. 

It  is  further  ordered  and  declare<l,  that  all  Amer- 
ican vessels  and  their  cargoes,  being  American  prop- 
erty, that  shall  have  been  captured  subsequently  to 
the  28th  of  May  last,  for  a  breach  of  the  aforesaid 
Orders  in  Council  alone,  and  which  shall  not  have 
been  actually  condemned  before  the  date  of  this  Or- 
der, and  that  all  ships  and  cargoes  as  aforesaid,  that 
shall  henceforth  be  captured  under  the  said  Orders, 
prior  to  the  Ist  day  of  August  next,  shall  not  be  pro- 
ceeded against  to  condemnation,  until  further  orders, 
but  shall,  in  the  event  of  this  Order  not  becoming  null 
and  of  no  effect,  in  the  case  aforesaid,  be  forthwith 
liberated  and  restored,  subject  to  such  reasonable  ex- 
pences  on  the  part  of  the  captors,  as  shall  have  been 
justly  incurreii. 

Provided  that  nothing  in  the  Order  contained  re- 
specting the  revocation  of  the  Orders  herein  mention- 
ed, shall  be  taken  to  revive  wholly,  or  in  part,  the 
Orders  in  Council  of  the  11th  of  November,  1807,  or 
any  other  Order  not  herein  mentioned,  or  to  deprive 
parties  of  any  legal  remedy  to  which  they  may  be  en- 
titled, under  the  Order  in  Council,  of  the  21st  of 
April,  1812. 

His  Royal  Highness,  the  Prince  Regent  is  hereby 
pleased  further  to  declare,  in  the  name  and  on  the  be- 
half of  his  Majesty,  that  nothing  in  the  present  Order 
contained  shall  be  understood  to  preclude  bis  Royal 
Highness,  the  Prince  Regent,  if  circumstances  shall 
so  require,  from  restoring  after  reasonable  notice,  the 
Orders  of  the  7th  of  January,  1807,  and  the  26th  of 
Ap^'il,  1809,  or  any  part  thereof,  to  their  full  effect,  or 
from  taking  such  other  measures  of  retaliation  against 
the  enemy,  as  may  appear  to  his  Royal  Highness  to 
be  just  and  necessary. 


id  by  his 
eminent, 
this  pre- 
ice  signi- 
o  the  said 
flfect. 
ill  Amer- 
can  prop- 
uently  to 
aforesaid 
not  have 
this  Or- 
isaid,  that 
jl  Orders, 
it  be  pro- 
er  orders, 
mingnoll 
forthwith 
nable  ex- 
lave  been 

ained  re* 
mention- 
part,  the 

,  1807,  or 

0  deprive 
lay  be  en- 
ne  21st  of 

is  hereby 
)nthe  be* 
ent  Order 
hiH  Royal 
,nces  shall 
notice,  the 
le  26th  of 

1  effect,  or 
on  against 
highness  to 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


141 


And  the  right  honorable  the  lords  commissioners 
of  his  Majesty's  treasury,  his  Majesty's  principal  Se- 
cretaries of  sta^e,  the  lords  commissioners  of  the  Ad- 
miralty, and  the  Judge  of  the  high  Court  Qf  Admiralty, 
and  the  Judg'^  of  the  Court  of  Vice- Admiralty,  are  to 
take  the  neces&;ury  measures  herein,  as  to  them  may 
respectively  appertain. 


GEN.  HULJ.  S  OFFICIAL  STATEMENT 
OF  HIS  SURRENDER. 

Montreal,  8th  Sept.  1812. 

SIR — ^The  inclosed  dispatch  was  prepared  on  my 
arrival  at  Fort  George,  and  it  was  my  mtention  to 
have  forwarded  it  from  that  place  by  Major  Witherell, 
of  the  Michigan  volunteers.  I  made  application  to; 
the  commanding  officer  at  that  post,  and  was  refused  i 
he  stating  that  he  was  not  authorised,  and  Gen.  Brock 
was  then  at  York.  We  were  immediately  embarked 
for  this  place,  and  Major  Witherell  obtained  liberty 
at  Kingston  to  go  home  on  parole. 

This  is  the  first  opportunity  I  have  had  to  forward 
the  dispatches.  4 

The  fourtli  United  States*  regiment  is  destined  for 
Quebec,  with  a  part  of  the  first.  The  whole  consist 
of  a  little  over  three  hundred. 

Sir  George  Prevost,  without  any  reque^  on  my 
part,  has  offered  to  take  my  parole,  and  permit  me  to 
prc^ecid  to  the  States. 

Lieut.  Anderson,  of  the  eighth  regiment,  is  the 
bearer  of  my  dispatches.  H«  was  formeirly  a  Lieut, 
in  the  Artillery,  and  resigned  his  commission  on  ac- 
count of  being  appointed  Marshal  of  the  Territory  of 
Michigan.  During  the  campaign  he  has  had  a  com- 
mand in  the  Art.llery ;  and  1  recommend  him  to  you 
as  a  valuable  o6acer. 

He  is  particularly  acquainted  with  the  state  of 
things  previous,  and  a^  the'time  when  the  capitulation 
took  place.     He  will  be  aoleto  give  you  correct  in- 


i:  !•; 


•        |:        I 


■ 


f  ,       '<! 


|.m 


1111,11, 


iff 


•■     { 

1 

.1,1 

i  :    . 

'■•1  \ 

I    ■;!     >■'■ 

Lb 

QlM 

\i 


143 


HISTOBY  OF  THB  WAR. 


t!(. 


(;:  iP 


^11 


II  ! 


\' 


\  I. 


formfttioh  on  any  potntH,  aboat  which  you  may  think 
proper  to  enquire. 

I  am,  very  respectfully, 
,       .  i:  u 7.  Your  most  obedient  servant, 

WILMAMHULL. 
J/ofi.  W.  Fmstist  Skcretary  of  tin  /  hpartment  of  War. 

THE  DISPATCH. 

Fort  George,  August  26,  1812. 
SIR — Inclosed  are  the  articles  ot'  capitulation,  by 
which  the  Fort  of  Detroit  has  been  surrendered  to 
Major-Generai  Brock,  commanding  his  Britannic 
Majesty's  forces  in   Upper  Canada,  and  by  which 
die  troops  h«ve  become  prisoners  of  war.    My  situa- 
tion at  present  forbids  me  from  detailing  the  particu- 
lar causes  whidi  have  led  to  this  unfortunate  event. 
I  will,  however,  generally  observe,  that  after  the  sur- 
render of  if tchi(imackinac,  almost  every  tribe  and 
ptition  ofliNUans,  excepting  a  pait  of  the  Miamies  and 
tit  lawares,  north  from  beyond  Lake  Superior,  west 
froui 'beyond  the  Mississippi,  «onth  from  tne  Ohio  and 
Wabasfi,  and  east  irom  every  part  of  Upper  Canada, 
and  iVom'all  the  intermediate  country,  joined  in  open 
hostility  under  the  British  standard,  ag«inst  the  army 
I  commanded,  contrary  to  the  most  solemn  assuran- 
ces of  a  large  portion  of  them   to  remain   neutral  j 
even  the  Ottawa  Chiefs  from  Arbeorotch,  who  form- 
ed the  dellegationto  Washington  the  last  summer,  in 
-Whose  friendship  I  know  yon  had  great  confidence, 
are  among  the  hostile  tribes,  and  several  of  Uiem  dis- 
tinguished 4e«dePs.    Amonf  the  vast  number  of  chiefs 
vfho  led  the  hostile  bands,  Tecumseih,  Maiiplot,  Lo. 
gan,  Walk-Tn4he-water,  i^plit-Log,  &c.  are  consider- 
ed the   principals.    This  niuneroiis  assemblage  of 
savages,  under  the  entire  inikwnce  and  direction  of 
the  Brvlish  commander,  enabled  him  totally  to  ob- 
struct the  only  communication  which!  4iad  with  my 
country.     This  communication    had    been   opened 
from  the  settlements  in  the  stale  of  Ohio,  two  hun- 
dred miles  through  a  ^wilderness,  by  the  fatigues  of 


ler,  in 
lence, 
n  tlis- 
chielK 
Lo. 
sider- 
fe  of 
lion  of 
ob. 
h  my 
lened 
hun- 
aes  of 


HISTOEY  or  TMB  W4B.  l49 

the  army,  which  I  marched  to  the  frontier  on  th  rl> 
ver  Detroit.  The  body  of  the  liftke  being  commMid- 
ed  b)  the  British  armed  ships,  and  the  shores,  and  ri^ 
vers  by  gun-boats,  theaimy  was  totally  deprived  otal* 
communication  by  w^ter.  On  this  extensive  road  it 
depended  for  transportation  of  provisions,  military 
stores,  medicine,  clothing,  and  every  other  nupply ,  on 
pack-borses-^all  its  operations  were  successful  until 
Its  arrival  at  Detroit, —  in  a  lew  daya  it  paitsed  into 
tlie  enemj^'s  country,  and  all  opposition  seemed  to  fall 
before  it.  One  month  it  remained  in  possession  of  this 
country,  and  was  fed  from  its  resources.  In  different 
directions  detachments  penetrated  sixty  miles  in  the 
settled  part  of  the  province,  and  the  inhabitants  seem* 
ed  satisfied  with  the  change  of  situation,  which  ap- 
peared to  be  taking  place  ■  the  militia  from  Amherst> 
burg  were  daily  deserting,  and  the  whole  country, 
then  under  the  control  of  the  army,  was  asking  for 
protection.  The  Indians  generally,  in  the  first  in- 
stance, appeared  to  be  neutralized,  and  determined 
to  take  no  part  in  the  contest  The  fort  of  Amherst 
burg  was  eighteen  miles  below  my  encampment 
?lot  a  single  cannon  or  mortar  was  on  wheels  suita- 
ble to  carry  before  that  place.  I  consulted  my  offi- 
cers, whether  it  was  expedient  to  make  an  attempt 
on  it  with  the  bayonet  alone,  without  cannon  to  make 
tt  breach  in  the  firat  instance.  The  council  I  called 
was  of  the  opinion  it  was  not — ^The  greatest  industry 
was  exerted  in  making  preparation,  and  it  was  not 
(intil  the  7th  of  August,  that  two  34-pounder«  and 
three  howitzers  were  prepared.  It  was  then  my  ,  in- 
teuliou  to  have  proceeded  on  the  enterprise.  While 
the  o;)erations  of  the  army  were  delayed  by  these 
preparations,  the  clouds  of  adversity  had  been  for  some 
lime  and  seemed  still  thickly  to  be  gathering  around 
me.  The  surrender  of  Michilimackinac  opened  tli# 
northern  hive  of  Indians,  and  they  were  swarming 
down  in  every  direction.  Heiuforcements  from  Nia- 
gara had  arrived  at  Amherstburg  under  the  command 
ol'Colonel  Proctor.     The  desertion  of  the  militia  ceas- 


>    I 


ill 


!) 


,|.|| 


!i.>;^ 


144 


HISTORY  or  THE  WAM. 


ii 


Jlr 


iAJ 


X...0 


m 


\  i 


-:  1 


ed.  BeMidet  the  reinforcements  that  came  bv  walci*, 
•I  received  intbrmfition  of'a  very  considerable  force  un* 
der  the  command  of  Major  Chambers,  on  the  river 
JLie,J^rench,  with  four  field-pieces,  and  collecting  the 
militia  on  his  route,  evidently  destined  for  Amhcrst- 
burg ;  und  in  addition  to  this  combination,  and  io- 
create  of  force  contrary  to  all  my  expectations,  the 
Wyandots,  Chippewas,  Ottawus,  rottawatamies, 
Munsccs,  Delawares,  Sec.  with  whom  I  had  the  most 
friendly  intercourse,  at  once  passed  over  to  Amherst- 
bnrg,  and  accepted  the  tomahawk  and  scalping  knife. 
There  being  now  a  vast  number  of  Indians  at  the  British 
post,  they  were  sent  to  the  river  Huron,  Browtistown, 
and  Maguago  to  intercept  my  communication.  To 
open  this  communication,  I  detached  Maj.  Vanhornc 
of  the  Ohio  volunteers  with  two  hundred  men  to  pro- 
ceed as  far  us  the  river  Raisin,  under  an  expectation 
he  would  meet  Capt.  Brush  with  one  hundred  and 
filly  men,  volunteers  from  the  state  of  Ohio,  and  a 
quantity  of  provision  for  the  army.  Anambuscndc 
ivas  formed  at  Brownstown,  and  Maj.  Vanhorn's  de- 
tachmentdefeated  and  returned  to  camp  without  efiect- 
ing  life  object  of  the  expedition. 

in  my  letter  of  the  7th  inst.  you  have  the  particu- 
lars of  that  transaction,  with  a  return  of  the  killed  and 
wounded.  Under  this  sudden  and  unexpected 
change  of  things,  and  having  received  an  express  from 
General  Hall,  commanding  opposite  the  British  shore 
on  the  Niagara  river,  by  which  it  appeared  that  there 
was  no  prospect  of  any  co-operation  from  that  quar- 
ter, and  the  two  senior  officers  of  the  artillery  having 
statied  to  me  an  opinion  that  it  would  be  extremely 
difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  pass  the  Turkey  rivtr 
and  river  Aux-Caiinard,  with  the  24-poundei's,  and 
'"  that  they  could  not  be  transported  by  water,  as  the 
j  Q,ueen-CharIotte  which  carried  eighteen  24-pounders, 
'  lay  in  the  river  Detroit  above  the  mouth  of  the  river 
Aux-Cannard  ;  and  as  it  appeared  indispensibly  ne- 
cessary to  open  the  communication  to  the  river  Kaisiii 
and  the  Miami,  I  found  myself  compelled  to  suspend 


if- 
>i  il 


HISTORY  OF  THE   WAR. 


14a 


the  operation  ng^aiiut  Amherstburg,  and  concentrate 
the  main  force  of  the  army  at  Detroit,    fi^ully  intend- 
iug,  at  that  time,  after  the  communication  was  opened, 
to  re-cro88  the  river,  and  puraue  the  object  at  Ara- 
heritlburg,  and  Ntrongly   desirous  of  continuing  pro- 
lection  to  a  very  large  number  of  the  inhabitantM  of 
Upper  Canada,  who  had  voluntarily  accepted  it  un* 
der  my  proclamation,  I  establiNhed  a  fortress  on  the 
banks  ot  the  river,  a  little  below  Detroit,  calculated 
for  a  garrison  of  three  hundred  men.   On  the  evening 
of  the  7th,  and  morning  of  the  8th  inst.  the  army,  ex- 
cepting the  {rarrison  of  260  infantry,  and  a  corps  of 
artillerists,  all  under  the  command  of  Major  Den- 
ny  of  the  Ohio  volunteers,  re-crossed  the  river,  and 
encamped  nt  Detroit.     In  pursuance  of  the  object  of 
opening  the  communication,  on  which  I  considered 
the  existence  of  the  army  depending,  a  detachment  of 
six  hundred  men,  ynder  the  command  of  lieut.  Colonel 
Hiller  was  immediately  ordered.      For  a  particular 
account  of  thjB  proceedings  of  this  detachment,  and 
the  memorable  battle  which  w^s  fought  al  Maguago, 
which  reflects  the  highest  honor  on  the  American 
arms,  I  refer  you  to  my  lel>.er  of  the  13^h  of  August, 
a  duplicate  of  which  is  enclosed,  in  this.     Noth- 
ing however  but  honor  was  acquired  by  this  victory  ; 
and  it  is  a  painful  consideration,  that  the  blood  of 
seventy-tive  gallant  men  could  only  0|)en  the  commu- 
nication as  far  as  the  points  of  their  bayonets  extend- 
ed.   The  necessary  cere  of  the  sick  and  wounded, 
and  a  very  severe  storm  pf  rain,  rendered  their  return 
to  camp  mdispensabjy  necessary  for  their  own  com- 
fort.   Captain  Brush,  with  his  small  detachment,  and 
the  provisions,  being  still  at  the  river  Raisin,  and  in  a 
situation  to  be  destroyed  by  the  savages,  on  the  13th 
inst.  in  the  evening,  1  permitted  Colonels  M' Arthur 
and  Cass  to  select  from  tMeir  regiment  four  hundred 
of  their  most  effective  men,  and  proceed^  an  upper 
route  through  the  woods,  which  I  had  sent  an  express 
to  Capt.  Brush  to  take,  and  had  directed  the  militiu. 
of  the  river  Kaisin  to  accompanv  him  as  a  reinforcc- 
19 


'T' 


'■  s 


:l 


146 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


!f||i! 


tl 


^ii 


tnent.  The  fortie  of  the  enemy  continually  increoK- 
ing,  and  the  necessity  uf  opening  the  couiniunication, 
and  acting  on  the  defensive,  becoming  more  appar- 
ent, 1  had,  previous  to  detaching  Colonels  M'Arllitir 
and  Cass,  on  the  11th  inst.  evacuated  and  destroyed 
the  fort  on  the  opposite  bank.  On  the  Idlh,  in  the 
(evening.  Gen.  Brock  arrived  at  Amherslburg  about 
the  hour  Colonels  M' Arthur  and  Cass  marched,  of 
M'hich  at  that  time  I  had  received  no  information. 
On  the  I5)h,  I  received  a  summons  from  him  tu  sur* 
render  fort  Detroit,  of  which  I  herewith  esulose  you 
a  copy,  togellier  with  my  answer.  At  this  time  I 
bad  received  no  informutioh  from  Cols.  M' Arthur  and 
Cass.  An  express  was  immediately  sent,  strongly 
escorted,  with  orders  for  them  to  return. 

On  the  idth,  ,as  soon   as  General  Brock  ivceived 
my  letter,  his  batteries  opened  on  the  town  and  tort, 
and  continued  until  evening.     In  the  evening  all  the 
British  Ships  of  w  ar  came  nearly  as  far  up  the  river 
as  Sandwich,  three  miles  below  Detroit.    At  day- 
light on  the  16th,  (at  which  time  i  had   received  no 
information  from  Cots.  M'Arlhur  and  Cass,  my  ex- 
presses sent  the  evenmg  before,  and  in  the  night,  hav- 
ing been  pr^veiiited  from  passing  by  numerous  bodies 
of  Indians)  the  cannonade  recommenced,  and  in  a 
short  lime  I  "eceived  information,  that  the  British  ar- 
my and  Indians,  were  landing  below  the  S[>ring  wells, 
under  the  cover  of  their  Ships  of  war.     At  this  time 
the  whole  elective  force  at  my  disposal  at  Detroit  did 
not  exceed  eight   hundred  men.     Being  new  troops 
-  and  unaccustomed  to  a  camp  life ;  having  peifoiiu- 
ed  a  laborious  march ;  having  been  in  a  number  of 
battles  and  skirmishcN,  in  which  many  had  fnllen,  and 
'  iiiorie  had  received  wounds,  in  addition  to  which  a 
'large  number  being  sick,  and  unprovided  with  medi- 
'  Clue,  and  the  comforts  necessary  for  their  situation ; 
'  are  the  general  causes  by  which  the  strength  of  the 
army  was  thus  reduced.    The  fork  at  this  time  was 
filled  with  women,  children,  and  the  old  and  decrepit 
people  of  the  town  and  country  ;  they  were  unsafe  ii\ 


v\ 


HISTORY  or  TBB   WAR. 


147 


iicreas- 
icalioii, 
a|)par« 
'Arllmr 
:6lroyed 
,  in  the 
If  about 
•lied,  uf 
Tiiation. 
II  to  ant' 
ose   you 
n  time  I 
ibur  ai)d 
titrungly 

t^ceived 
and  iort, 
g  all  the 
llic  river 
At  day- 
eived  no 

my  ex- 
ght,  hav- 
18  bodies 
and  in  a 
ritish  ar- 
ng  wells, 

Hs  time 
;troit  did 
troops 

jeiionn- 
imber:  of 
illen»  and 

which  a 

th  medi- 
iituation  i 
th  of  the 
time  was 

decrepit 

uniafe  in 


the  town,  as  it  was  entirely  open  and  exposed  to  th.e 
enemy's  batteries.  Back  of  the  fort,  above  or  below 
it,  thc^re  was  no  safety  for  them  on  account  of  the  In- 
dians. In  the  first  instance,  the  enemy's  fire  was  prin- 
cipally directed  against  our  batteries ;  tuwards  the 
close,  it  was  directed  against  the  fort  alone,  and  al» 
most  every  shot  and  shell  had  their  effect. 

It  now  became  necessary  either  to  fight  the  enemy  in 
the  field  ;  collect  the  whole  force  in  the  fort ;  or  pro- 
pose terms  of  capitulation.  I  could  not  have  c:*rried 
into  the  field  more  than  six  hundred  men,  and  left  any 
adequate  force  in  the  fort.  There  w^re  landed  at 
that  time  of  the  enemy  a  regular  force  of  much  niore 
than  that  number,  and  twice  that  number  of  Indians. 
Considering  this  great  inequality  of  force,  I  did  not 
think  it  ex|>edient  to  adopt  the  first  measure.  The 
second  niiust  have  been  attended  with  a  great  sacri- 
fice of  blood,  and  no  possible  advantage,  because  the 
contest  could  not  have  been  sustained  more  than  a  day 
for  the  want  of  powder,  and  but  a  very  few  days  lor 
the  want  of  provisions,  (n  addition  to  Ihis,  Cots. 
M*  Arthur  ftnd  Cass  would  have  been  in  a  most  haz- 
ardous situation.  I  feared  nothing  but  the  last  altern- 
ative. I  have  dared  to  adopt  it — I  well  know  the 
high  responsibility  uf  the  measure,  and  I  take  the 
whole  of  it  on  myself.  It  w-.is  dictated  by  a  sense  of 
duty,  and  a  full  conviction  of  its  expediency.  The 
bands  of  savages  which  had  then  joined  the  British 
force,  were  numerous  beyond  any  former  example. 
Their  numbers  have  since  increased,  and  the  history 
of  the  barbarians  of  the  north  of  Europe  <loes  not 
furnish  examples  of  more  greedy  violence  than  these 
savages  have  exhibited.  A  large  portion  of  the  brave 
and  gallant  officers  and  men  I  coraoianded  would 
cheerifully  have  contested  until  the  lasff.  carlrid  ge  had 
been  expended,  and  the  bayonets  worn  to  the  sockets. 
1  could  not  consent  to  the  useless  sacr>tice  of  such 
brave  men,  when  t  knew  it  was  impossible  for  me  to 
sustain  my  situation.  It  was  impossil)le  in  the  nature 
(|f  things  that  an  army  could  have  been  furnished  with 


*;ii,.^i 


<i 


ii 


148 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WJIR. 


m 


Vm  ' 


if 


iji  I 


»;<: 


i'  '    ' 


the  necessary  supplies  of  provision,  miKtary  stores, 
clothing,  an<d  comforts  for  the  sick,  on  pack  horses, 
through  a  wilderuessof  two  hundred  mile8«  filled  with 
liostile  savages.  Il  was  impossible*  sir,  that  this  lit* 
tie  iarmy,  worn  doWn  by  fatigue,  by  sickness,  by 
wounds,  and  deaths,  could  have  supported  itself  nut 
only  against  the  collected  force  of  all  the  northern 
nations  of  Indians,  but  against  the  united  strength  of 
Upper  Canada,  whose  population  consists  of  more 
than  twenty  times  the  number  contained  in  the  terri- 
tory of  Michigan,  aided  by  the  principal  part  of  the 
regular  farces  of  the  province,  and  the  wealth  and  in» 
'flnenceof  the  North- West,  and  other  trading  estab- 
lishments among  the  Indians,  which  liave  in  their 
employment,  and  under  their  entire  control,  more 
than  two  thousand  white  men.  ir»^9^te«Si  afifs,* 
Before  I  close  this  dispatch  it  is  a  duty  I  owe  my 
respectable  associates  in  command.  Cols.  M' Arthur, 
Fiitdley,  Cass,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Miller,  to  express  my 
obligations  to  them  for  the  prompt  and  judicious 
manner  in  Which  they  have  performed  their  respec- 
tive duties.  Il' aught  has  taketi  place  during  tlie«aini- 
paign  which  is  honorable  to  the  army,  these  officers 
are  entitled  to  a  large  share  of  it.  If  the  lawt  act 
should  be  disapproved,  no  part  of  the  censure  belongs 
to  them^.  I  have  likewise  to  express  my  obligation 
to  General  Taylor,  who  has  performed  the  duty  of 
quarter<>-master-General,  for  his  great  exertions  in  imto- 
curing  every  thing  in  his  department  which  it  was 
possible  to  furnish  for  the  oovenience  of  the  army ; 
likewise  to  brigade-major  Jessup  for  the  correct  and 
punctual  manner  in  which  he  has  discharged  Ms  du- 
ty ;  and  U>  the  army  generally  for  their  exertion,  and 
the  zeal  they  have  manifested  for  the  public  interest. 
The  death  ai  Dr.  Foster,  soon  after  he  arrived  at 
Detroit,  was  a  severe  misfortune  to  the  army  ;  it  was 
increased  by  the  capture  of  the  Chacbaga  packet,  by 
which  the  medicine  and  hospital  stores  were  lost. 
He  was  commencingthe  best  arrangements  in  the  de- 
partment of  which  he  was  the  principal,  with  the  very 


»small  mer 
deprived  < 
by  sickne! 
attached  t 
gone  to  th 
United  St 
and  Capt. 
son's  com| 
era  are  wil 
I  have  onl 
as  early  ae 
adnlk;  an 
erandent  v 
captivity,  i 
have  ialleO 

I  have  ll 
obedient  «< 

Mm,  ^ 

{bncl< 

regiment  o 

army,  with 

men,  to  pre 

cessary,  to 

state  of  Oh 

and«scorti 

town  a  lar^ 

cade,  and  I 

iire,  at  the 

The  whole 

Van  Horn 

the  retreat, 

officer,  but 

aad  wound) 

cers  was  ud 

their  eompi 

I  am,  vei 

Jian.  W 


%ll 


^  m 


UIJTORY  OP  TttE  WAtt.i  i|^  ,r 

.small  nlitnns  ■wbicls  he  possefsed.    I  waO  likewise,  v 
desprived  of4be  necesiftry  services  of  Capt.  Partridge,  <, 
by  sickness,  t!ie  only  officer  of  the  corps  of  engineers 
attached  to  tJie  army.    All  the  oftcers  and  men  have 
$roAe  to  their  re^pectivp.  homes,  excepting  the  4th 
United  Stut'^V  regiment,  and  a  small  part  of  the.firSt,  • 
and  Gapt.  Dyson's  company  of  artillery.    Capt.  Dv- 
son's  company  was  lefi.att  Amherstburg,  anid  the'Oln<«  - 
era  are  with  me  prisoners — they  amount  to.  abojit  34Qi.  ' 
I  have  only  to  solidit  an  investigation  of  my  condact, 
as  early  asfny  situation,  and  the  state  of  roiqgis  will 
adntk;  and  to  add  the  further  request,  that  the  gov- 
eranoent  will  not  be  uiunindful  of  my  associates  in 
captivity,  and  of  the  families  of  those  brave  men.  who 
more  havefalleU  in  the  cc.  '"^ 

I  have  the  hoRor  t    '.      y ery  respectfully,  your  mo^ 
obedient «ervftttt.  W.  HULL,  Brig.  Gen.. 

iHan.  W»  EustiSf  Secretary  of  <  Ifar.  ^:  ^  v  t  .<> . 

•  -   ••■ 

[bnclosbo  in  the  prbgbding  dispatch.  J   : 

iri^i*  Sandwich,  7th  August,  1812. 
Sia-^4>n  the4th  inst.  Maj.  Vanhom.  of  CoL  Findlev  s 
regiment  of  Oluo  volutittsers,  was  detached  from  this 
army,  with  thetommand  of  SOO.meii,  principally  riBet 
men, to  proceed  to  the  river  Raisin,  and  further,  if  ne<^ 
cessary,  to  meet  and  reinforce  iC<ifMt<  Bl'udi,  of  the 
state  of  Ohio,  commanding  a  company  Df  volunteers, 
and  escorting  provisions  for  this  army.  At  Brownsi- 
towa  a  large  body  of  Indians  had  formed  an  ambus- 
cade, and  the  Major's  detachment  receiived  a  heavy 
iire,  at  the  distance  of  ^tly  yards  from  the  isnemy. 
The  whole  detachment  retreated  in  disorder.  Major , 
Van  Horn  made  every  exertion  to  form,  and  prevent 
the  retreat,  that  was  poitsible  for  a  brave  and  gallant 
-officer,  but  wilbout  success.  By  the  return  of  killed 
aad  wounded,  it  wiU  be  perceived  that  the  loss  of  offi- 
cers was  uncommonly  great.  Their  efforts  to  rally 
their  eompanies  was  the  occasion  of  it.  , 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  yours.  Sec. 

WILLIAM  HULL. 

JJan.  Wm.  EuMis,  ^c. 


.1 


'    H 


J 


,{    s 


I   '1 


1.^ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR; 


J    . 


•r: 


il 


i 


■I  I 


'  iM 


li! 


KILLE1>,  in  M»jo/ Van  Horn^s defeat-*^  Onptaias, 
^*— 1  Lieutenant — 2  Ensigns — 10  privates. — ^Total  17. 

[enclosed  in  't  HE  PRECEDTim  mSPXIHCH.] 

Detroit,  13th  August.  1812. 

SIR.      "^^^H-  J' 

The  main  body  of  the  army  having  re-crossed  the 
river  at  Detroit,  on  the  night  and  morning  of  the  8th 
iitst;  .six  hundred  met)  were  imme'liately  detached 
und^r  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Nil  Her,  to  open 
the  communication  to  the  river  Raisin,  and  protect 
the  provisions,  which  were  under  the  escort  of  Capt. 
Brush.  This  detachment  consisted  of  the  4th  Unit* 
ed  States*  regiment,  and  two  small  detachments  un^ 
der  the  command  of  Lieut.  Stansbnry  and  Bnsi gn  Me 
Labeof  the  1st  regiment ;  detachments  from  the  Ohio 
and  Michigan  irolanteers,  a  corps  of  artillerists,  with 
one  six-pounder  and  an  howitzer  under  the  command 
of  Lieut.  Eiistman,  and  a  part  of  Capt^iins  Smith  and 
Sloan's  Oavalry  commanded  by  Ciiptain  Sloan  of  the 
Ohio  volunteers.  Lieut.  Col.  Miller  marched  from 
Detroit  on  the  afternoon  of  the  8th  instant,  and  on  thfe 
9th,  about  four  o'clock,  p.  m .  the  van  guard,  com* 
manded  by  Capt.  Sneliing  of  the  4th  United  States' 
regiment,  was  tired  on  by  an  extensive  line  of  British 
troops  and  Indians  at  the  lower  part  of  the  Maguago 
about  fourteen  miles  from  Detroit.  At  this  time  the 
main  body  was  marching  in  two  columnsrand  Capt 
Sneliing  m;iintained  his  position  in  a  most  gallant 
manner,  under  a  very  heavy  fire,  until  the  line  was 
formed  and  advanced  to  the  ground  he  occupied,  when 
the  whole,  excepting  the  rear  guard,  was  brought  into 
action.  The  enemy  were  formed  t>ehind  a  tempora- 
iry  breast  work  of  logs,  the  Indians  extending  in  a 
thick  wood  on  their  left.  Lieut.  Colonel  Miller  or- 
dered his  whole  line  to  advance,  and  when  within  a 
small  distance  of  the  enemy  made  a  general  discharge, 
and  proceeded  with  charged  bayonets,  when  the  RriU 
inh  Ime  and  Indians  commenced  a  retreat.  They 
were  pursued  in  a  most  vigorous  manner  about  two 


BISTOBY  OF  THE  WAH* 


m 


mUs,t  uud  the  pvirsuii  qisconlinued  only  on  account 
oi  the  iaUtgue  of  the  trpupii,  the  approach  of  eve- 
ning, and  the  necessity'  of  returning  to  take  care  of  the 
woutided.  The  judicious  arrangements  made  by 
LieiH.  Cul.  Miller*  and  the  .^^tiiant  manner  in  which 
they  Mere  executed,  justly  e:\title  him  to  the  highest 
honor.  From  the  moment  ti^e  line  commenced  tlu; 
tire,  it  continually  moved  on,  and  the  enemy  main* 
tained  their  position  until  forced  at  the  point  of  th« 
bayonet.  T^i«  Indians  on.  the  left  commanded  by 
Tecumseh,  fought  with  great  obstinacy,  but  were  coq- 
linually  forced  and  compelled  to  it:treat.  The  victory 
^'as  complete  in  every  pait  of  the  line,  and  the  suc- 
.cess  would  have  bcfen  more  brilliant  had  the  cavalry 
charged  the  enemy  on  the  retreat,  when  a  most  favur- 
able  opportunity,  presented.  Although  orders  were 
given  for  the  purpose,  unfortunately  Uiey  were  not 
executed.  Ms  jors  Van  Horn  and  Morrison,  of  the 
Ohio  volunteei's,  were  associated  with  Lieut.  Colonel 
Miller,  as  field  officers  in  this  command,  and  were 
highly  distinguished  by  their  exertions  in  forming  the 
line,  and  the  firm  pvd  intripid  manner  they  led  their 
res^iective  commands  to  action. 

Captain  Baker,  of  the  1st  United  States  regiment, 
Capt.  Brevort  of  the  2d,  and  Capt.  Hull  of  the  13th, 
my  atd>de>camp;  and  Lieut.  Whistler  of  the  1st.  re^ 
quested  permission  lo  j<iin  the  detachment  as  volun- 
teers. Lieut.  Col.  Milltir  assigned  commands  to 
Capt.  Baker  and  Lieut..  Whistler;  and  Capts.  Bre- 
vpit  and  Hull  s^t  his  request,  i.ttended  his  person  and 
aided  him  in  the  general  arrangements.  Lieut.  Col. 
Miller  has  mentioned  the  conduct  of  these  ofiicers  in 
A^rins  of  high  p.pprobation.  In  addition  to  the  Cap- 
tains who  have  been  named,  Lieut.  Col.  Miller  has 
mentioned  Captains  Burton  and  Fuller,  of  the  4th 
regiment.  Captains  Saunders  and  Brown  of  the  Ohio 
volunteers,  and  Ca[.t.  i>elandi'eof  the  Michigan  volun- 
teers, who  were  attached  to  his  command — and  dis- 
tinguished by  their  valor.     It  is  impossible  for  nie,  in 


!         i 


Hr'^ 


,'i    ''i 


M 


*.^ii 


iil 
I 


i  i 


1^ 


Hll^TOKY  dF  TBS  W4B; 


I': 


I 


i'ff'ItU  I 


I 


'M 


1 

1 

r  ■  ' 

i* 

.         1 
■        1 

i        ; 
1       1 

:|| 

1  ,  ; 

fl 

, 

this  coiiimonicakion,  to  do  justice  to  the  officers  and 
soldiers;  who  |^ined  ibe  Tictory  whicb  I  have  descri- 
be. They  have  acquired  hrgb  honor  to  themselves 
and  jMW  jiifltly  entitled  to  the  gratitude  of  their  country. 
Major  Muir,  of  the  4lst  regiment  coimualUlcdtlie 
Briti^'  in'thiii  action.  The  regulars  and  volunteers 
iitonsisted  of  AhtVut  four  hundred,  and  a  large  number 
'of  -iftdiiaite.  M^jor  Muir  and  two  subalterns  wers 
wounded,  one  of  th^tii  Sinlce  dead.  About  forty  In- 
dians were  found  dead  on  the  field)  an^Tecumseh, 
th^ir  leader  wds*slightty  wounded.  The  number  of 
wounded. Indians  whoescapedhas  not  been  ascv^rtain- 
ed.  l^tiitorof  M^jor  Mu  tr's  detachment  have  Vi^een  ntade 
jprisdn^rs;  and  iitleeh  of  the  41st  regiment  killedand 
^wounded.  The  militia  and  volunteers  attached  to  his 
command  were  in  the  severest  part  of  the  actipn,  and 
their  \btiM  mtusit  have  been  great— it  hasaot  yet  been 
ascertained.  -  ' -  ^.h'^lij  ,.    • 

"''  I  have  the  honof  to  be,  your  most  obedient  servant, 
^  WILLIAM  HVLUBrisf'  Gw.  '. 

^- MttriiWiHiaiXiEuStis,  Secretary  of  War.       .      -^ 


*-<ls-<    -1^ 


^JReHirniifihe  kiUed  andwounded  in  </<«  action fom^t 
\^v.u'  *' near  Sidauagoi  Auffuat  9lh,  1^12* 

0tV.  S.  tegimeht—- 10  hvR-commisMOBed  officers 
iiftti  priii^at^s  killeid,  and  45  wboniied :  Caf)t.  Baker  4f 
the  1st  regiment  of  tr.fantry  ;  Lteut«  Larabee  of  the 
dthrLieiit.  Pelers'of  the  4th ;  Ensign  Whistler  of 
tliift  Vtfit  doing  duty  in  tlie  4th ;  Lieut.  Silly,  and  an 
£nilti|^n,  Whoi^c  naihe^has  liot  been,  retwrted  to  nit 
#brte  Wtyunded.  '  > 

'"Ihthef  Ohio  and  Michijgftiri  volunteersi  8  were  killcMl 
'  ani?  W  \Voimdfed.    '  '  - 
^'   '■•-.'-::    '  t  %  *^  >,      WH iUAM  HULL. 


1'^-t? 


It  is  wi 
Hull  annc 
has  been  c 
the  follow 


Capituh 

into  betwe 

BKtannic] 

General  H 

of  the  Unil 

Arlicle' 

ulars  as  w( 

dered  to  tl 

Major-Ger 

prisoners  oi 

militia  of  t( 

ed  the  armj 

Articles 

documents, 

ture,  will  b< 

Article  9 

of  every  des 

Article  4 

having  expi 

slate  of  Obi 

one  sent  fro 

Col.  M'Art 

ulation,  it  ii 

to  be  unden 

as  have  not 

turn  home  0 

the  war— 4h 

if  belonging 


rA.'ii:  .i«f   i.m,   ■ 


rs  and 
tiescri' 
nselves 
Duntry. 
led  jkhe 
nnteei'g 
lumber 
s  went 
)rty  In- 
:uinseh, 
mber  of 
certain- 
inmfiwile 
lied  and 
id  to  bw 
ipn,  and 
^et  beea 

servaat 

Gw. : 


M^b«t^i( 


I  officers 

le  o^'  the 
tistler  of 
'f  and  an 
to  nie 


Ire 


kdlcHl 


i  i'  --C*'  * 


■'<'f«  1ft  ' 


lilSTOllY  OF  T9B  WAB»  1^9 

GENERAL  ORDERS.   '    '     /   , 

,  ^     Jfiead-QHarters  tU  Detroit,  Aug.  16»  1812. 

It  is  with  paiii  and  anxitty  that  Brig^MKer  General 
Hull  announces  to  the  North- Western  ariny>  that  he 
has  been  compelled  from  a  sense  of  duty,  to  agree  to 
the  following  articles  of  capitulation. 

capitulation:. 

romp  Detroit^  Aug.  16,  1813. 

Capitulation  of  surrendering^  fort  Detroit,  entered 
into  between  Major-General  Brock,  commanding  hi» 
BHtannic  iMajesty's  forces,  of  the  one  part,  and  Brig. 
General  Hull,  commanding  the  N^tI^  ^^«>tern  army 
of  the  United  States,  of  the  other  part : 

Article'  I'st.  Fort  Detroit,  wtlh  all  the  troops,  reg- 
ulars as  well  as  militia,  will  be  immediately  surren- 
dered to  the  British  forces  under  the  ooromand  of 
Major-General  Bro^(,  and  will  be  considered  as 
prisoners  of  war,  with  the  exception  of  such  of  the 
roilitiaof  the  Michigan  territory,  who  have  not  join- 
ed the  army. 

'  Article  3d.  All  public  stores,  arms,  and  public 
documents,  including  every  thing  else  of  a  public  na- 
ture, will  be  immediately  given  up. 

Article  3d.  Private  persons  and  private  property 
of  every  description  will  be  respected. 

Article  4thi  His  cixcelleqcy  Brig.  General  Hall, 
having  expressed  a  desire  that  a  detachment  from  the 
slate  of  Ohio,  on  its  way  to  join  the  army,  as  well  as. 
one  sent  from  fort  Detroit,  under  the  command  of 
Col.  M' Arthur,  should  be  included  in  the  above  stip- 
ulation, it  is  accoi^ingly  agreed  to.  It  is,  however, 
to  be  understood,  that  such  pttrti  of  the  Ohio  militia 
as  have  not  joined  the  arrays  will  be  pemiitted  to  re- 
turn home  on  condition  that  they  will  not  serve  during 
the  war— 4heir  arms,  however,  will  be  delivered  up 
if  belonging  to  the  public. 
20 


i  I ' 


ii 


!      I 


' 


Ml 


1 


'i 

Mi 

1 

1 

154 


fllSToRY  01*  THE  WAtC. 


Article  5lh.  The  ffsu'rison  will  march  out  at  the 
hoar  of  12  o'clock  (his  day,  and  the  ISritish  forces 
will  takc!  immediate  possession  of  the  fort. 

J.  MDOWEL,  U  Col.  Militia  B.  A.  D.  C. 
i/  rt.  I.  B.  GREGG,  Major  A.  D.  G.  '  ? 

(Approved)        WILLIAM  HULL,  Brig.  Gen.  " 
JAMES  MILLEU,  Lt.  Col.  5th  U.  S.  Infantry. 
£.  BRUSH,  Cul.  1st  Heir.  Michi;;ran  Militia. 

(Approved)  ISAAC  BROCK,  Maj.  Gen. 

The  urmy  at  12  o>lo6k  th'"*  day  will  march  out.  of 
the  east  gate,  where  they  will  stack  their  arms,  and 
wiUie,theo  suhjectto  the  articles  of  capitulation, 
>,^^  WILLIAM  HULL^  Brig.  Gen:.i. 

iiCiierfrom  Cul.  Cass  of  the  army  tate  under  the  com- 
mun4  nf'  Brig,  Gen.  Wm,  Hull,  to  the  Secretary 
.     ojiyar.  -UV)  ;^u:.:P.  h  .ht  '♦   J;  ' 

,;:       ;  WASmNGTOK,  Si^t.  10,  1812. 

.  SIR — Having  been  ordered  on  to  this  place  by 
€oU  M' Arthur,  for  the  purpose  elf  eotumunicatitig  to 
the  goyernmeut  particulars  respecting  the  expedition 
lately  commonded  by  Brig.  General  Hull*  and  its 
disastrous  result,  as  might  en^bje  th$m  correctly  to 
appreciate  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  {  and  to 
deveiope  the  causes  which  -  produced  so  foul  n  stain 
upon  the  national  character,  I  have  the  honor  to  sub- 
mit for  your  considjeratioo,  the  following  statement. 

When  the  lorces  landed  in  Canadtk;  Vhey  landed 
with  an  ardent  zeal  and  stimulated  with  the  hope  of 
(joq^iejst.  No  enelfiy  appeared  within  view  of  us, 
add^iiad  ap  immediate  anil  vigorous  attack  been  made 
upon  Maldep,  it  would,  doubtless  have  fallen  qn  easy 
Victory*  I  know  General, Hull  atiterwards  declared 
h#  regretted  this  *ltiic|;  bad  not  bjsen  mad^,:and  he 
)iad  ev^  "V  reas0n  to  believe  success  would  have  crown- 
ed hvi  i  '■'*.  The  ittaspQ  given  f(^  delaying  our 
opetx,:  ...  .wastomqiu^our  heavy  iDannon,  and  to 
afiordlo.  the  Canadian  miUtia  timeimd  opportunity  to 
quit  an  obnoxious  service.  In  the  cout«e  of  two 
weeks  the  number  of  tbeirmilitia,  who  were  embodi- 


UISTOUY  OF  Till:  M'AM. 


m 


out  at  the 
ish  forces 

:.  D.  C. 

gf.  Oeh.  • 
iifantry. 
itia. 

M<»j.  Gen. 
irch  out,  of 
arms,  and 
ilation, 
ig^.  Gen> 

er  the  com' 
9  Secretary 

urj  J:  • 

0, 1812. 
I  place  by 
inicating  to 
expedition 
n\\,  and  its 
lorrectly  to 
en{  and  to 
'oul  (I  stain 
luor  to  sub- 
Aitetnent. 
t«y    landed 
e  hope  of 
iew  of  us, 
been  made 
en  s\n  easy 
H  declared 
ad^,:.and  he 
itoTe  crown- 
laying  our 
OHt  and  to 
portuoity  to 
lime  of  two 
\irff  oinbodi- 


#d,  bad  decreased  by  desertion  from  six  hundred  Ut 
one  hundred  men  ;  and,  in  the  cour»>e  of  three  weeks, 
the  cannon  were  mounted,  the  ammunition  fixed*  an^ 
every  prepaiation  made  for  an  immediate  investment 
of  the  fort.    At  a  council,  at  which  .werf  present  %)| 
the  iMd  officers,  and  which  wa^  b<$id  two  da^is  bi^fora 
ouc  preparations  w,ere  completed,  it  was  untniimonslf 
agreed  to  make  an  iiDmediatie  attempt,  to  accoiQplisll 
the.  object  of  ihte  expedition.    If  by  waiting  twQ  d;iyp 
we  could  huve  the  service  of  our  heiivy  artillery,  H 
was  agreed  to  wait ;  if  not,  it  was  deterinined  to  go 
without  it,  »nd  attempt  the  ulace  bv  storm.     Thiy 
opinion  appeared  to  correspond  with  th^  view9  of  tb§ 
ueneral,  and  the  day  was  appointed  for  commencing 
our  march.    He  declared  to  qae,  tb^t  h^  considered 
himself  pledged  to  lead  the  army  to  MaldeO'    Thi^ 
ammunition  was  placed  in  the  waggons ;  the  CfinnoQ 
embarked  on  board  the  floating  batteries,  and  every  ror 
quisite  article  was  prepared.    The  spiritand  7<eal,  thti 
ardor  and  animation  displayed  by  theo^Sc^rs  ^nd  m^^, 
on  learning  the  near  accomplishment  of  tbeir  wishes, 
was  a  sure  and  sacred  pledge,  that  in  the  hour  of  trif^l 
they  would  notbe  fonnd  wanting  in  the>>^  ^M^y  ^o  ^l^eir 
country  and  themselves^    {)ut  a  ph'4ugi9  of  nie(^m'e«* 
in  opposition  to  the  wishes  i^nd  opinions  pf  all  the  p^r 
eel's,  way  adopted  by  the  Oi^neraj,    ^he  plan  of  s^r 
tacking  Maiden  W{|9  abandoned*  and  instead  pf  fe- 
ting oi^nsively,  wo  broke  up  our  (ffinip,  ^y^cMfitei^ 
Canada,  and  rycros!^  tbo  river,  ip  the  night,  y^ithoi^t 
even  the  shadow  of  iin  eneniy  to  iiyqre.ns.    We  letlt 
to  the  tender  mercy  of  the  epemy  t(),e  miif^P^to  Can.- 
adian«  who  had  joined  us,  {^n4  the  protection,  wo  af- 
forded them  was  but  a  passport  to  vengeance,    Tbi^ 
fatal  and  upi^ccount^ble  step  dispirited  the^pons,  i^nd 
destroyed  the  little  ^onfidjence  wh|cn  ^  serie^  of  tjinL^, 
irresolute  itnd  ind^pisive  lo^^siii^ifh^d  \ef^  in  t^^^  f^oiiji- 
manding  officer.  ^ 

AbouttholQlh  of  August,  the  e^emy  repeiveda 
reinforcement  ol'four  hundred  men.  On  the  tweittn 
the  coflam»nding  officeiji  pf  t^ree  of  tHe  re^^iinooti^* 


t        i 


;  I 


M 


i  I 


'  1 

1       I 

i' 

.:,:,■ 

M 

^46 


HISTOBY  or  THE  WAE. 


'Hm; 


•i'l 


U|! 


\      I 


' 

;] 

iH 

■M^': 

:     .     1 

|h 

1 

1 

; 

M 

Li 

L» 

(Ihe  fonrth  was  alweiit)  were  informed  through  a  me^ 
dwiii  which  admitted  of  no  doAbt,  that  the  General 
had  stated  that  a  capitulation  would  he  n^^'^esiary; 
They  on  the  same  day  addresfird  to  Governor  IVfeigs, 
of  Ohio,  a  letter,  of  which  the  following  is  an  extract. 

*  Bffieve all  tkt  bearer  tviU  teU  yon.     Helieve  tf» 

koivever  it  may  aikmith  you,  ai  tnuek  a$  if  it  had 

been  told  by  one  of  us.    JEvenQC  n, 

M  talked  of  by  the  Tke  bearer  wili 

^Uthe  vacancy* 

The  doubtful  fate  of  this  letter  rendered  it  necessa^ 
xy  to  use  circumspection  in  itsdetaiis,  and  therefore 
these  blanks  were  left.  The  word  *  capitulation'  will 
fill  the  first,  and*  commanding  general,'  the  other. 
As  no  enemy  was  near  us,  and  as  the  superiority  <  of 
our  force  was  manifest,  wecouldseeno  necessity  for 
capitulatingt  nor  any  propriety  in  allodingto  it.  Wo 
therefore  determined  in  the  last  resort  to  incur  the  re- 
sponsibility of  divesting  the  General  of  his  conraiand. 
This  plan  was  eventually  prevented  by  two  of  the 
commanding  ofiicers  of  regiments  being  ordered  ijpon 
detachments. 

On  the  18th  the  British  took  a  position  opposite  tdi 
Detrpit,  and  began  to  throw  up  works.  During  that 
and  th^  two  following  days,  they  pursued  their  object 
without  interruption  and  established  a  bAttery  for  two 
18  pounders  and  an  8  inch  howitzer.  About  sun-set 
on  the  evening  of  the  14th  a  detachment  of  360  men 
from  t|ie  regiments  commanded  by  Col.  M'Arthur, 
and  myself^  wa^  ordered  to  march  to  the  river  Raisin, 
to  escort  |fhe  provisions,  which  had  some  time  remain- 
ed th^re  protjejcted  by  a  party  under  the  command  of 
eapt.  Brash. 

On  Saturday,  the  10th  about  1  o^clock,  a  flag  of 
truce  arrived  from  Bandwich,  bearing  a  summons 
from  general  Brock  for  tfaa^nrrendk^r  'Abe  town  and 
fort  of  Detroit,  stating  he  conid  no  I'^nger  re^tlrain  the 
jEiiry  of  the  savages.  To  this  an  immediate  and  spir- 
ited refusal  wa9  returned.  About  four  o'clock  their 
'batteries  beg^n  to phty  upon'  the  town*    The  fire,  wsif 


JIISTOBY  Om  YBE   WAIL 


IM 


Mtumed  vmA  continued  wiilu)utinterru|ilion  and  with 
little.eflHBCttUldark.  Thoir  shells  wero  tUrown  till 
eleven  o'clock. 

.  At  day-lightthe  firing  on-both  Hides  recommenced^ 
oUoiit  tke  aame  time. the  enemy  began  to  land  troopo 
at  the  Spring  wcllii,  three  mileg  below  Detroit,  pro- 
tected t^  two  of  their  ainned  vessels.  Between  (i  and 
7  o'clock  they  had  effected  their  Inndinp^,  and  imroe^ 
diately  took  up  their  line  of  march.  They  moved  in 
close  column  of  platoons,  twelve  in  front,  upon  Ihd^ 
bank  ofithe  river.    .  !:   ;  ,:   . 

The  fourth  regiment  was  stationed  in  the  fort ;  thor 
Ohio  volunteers  and  a  part' of  the  Michigan  raiKtia; 
behind  some  pickets,  in  a  situation  in  whic^the  whole 
flank  of  the  enemy  would  have  been  exposed.  Tfafe 
residucrof  the  Michigan  militia  were  in  the  :upper. part 
of  the  town  to  resist  the  incursions  of,>  the  savagesn 
Two  24-pounders^  loaded  with  grape  shot,  vrere  post^ 
ed  on  a  commanding  eminence,  ready  to  sweep  the 
advancing  column.  Ifi  this  situation  the  superiorly 
of  onr  position  was  appiirent;  and .  our.  troops,  in  the 
eager  expectation  of  victory,  awaited  the  approach  of 
the  enemy.  Not  a  discontent,  broke  u^>un  the  ear  ; 
not  a  look  of  cowardice  met  the  eye.  Every  man  ex? 
pected  a  proud  day  for  his  country,  and  each  was 
anxious  that  his  individual  exertion  should  contribute 
to  the  general  result,  >  ^: 

c:  When  t|ie  head  of  their  column  arrived  within  about 
five  hundred  yards  of  our  line,  ordera  were  received 
from  Gen.  Hull  for  the  wliole  to  retreat  to  the  fort, 
and  for  the  24*pounders  not  to  open  upon  the  enemy: 
One  .Muiversal  burst  of  indignation  was  apparent  upon 
thereceipt of  this . order.  Those,  whose . conviction 
was  the  deliberate  result  of  a  dispassionate  examina^ 
tionof  passing  events,  saw  the  folly  and  impropriety  of 
crowding  1 100  men  into  a  little  work,  which  dOOmeit 
could  fully  man«  and  into  which  the  shot  and  shells  of 
the  enemy  were  falling.  The  fort  was  in  this  manner 
filled ;  .the  men  were  directed  to  stack  their  arms,  and 
IsarceLy .  was  an  opportnnity  afforded  of  moving. 


1    \ 


\ 

•:li 


I  ii 


^11 


\r< 


m 


IM 


BISTOHY  OP  THB  WAR. 


Ill 


fin  i 


! 

■  i 

u 

i^ 

Shortly  after  a  white  flag  was  hang  oat  upon  tb«  wali» 
A  British  oflSoer  rodo  up  to  inquire  the  cause.    A 
communication  pasited  between  the  commaclin^  Gen 
erals,  which  ended  in  the  capitula  tion  submitted  U 
yon.    In  entering  inio  this  capitulation^  the  Genera 
took  counsel  from  his  own  feeling  only.    Not  an  oflv> 
eer  was  consulted.    Not  one  anticipated  a  surrender^ 
till  he  saw  the  white  flag  displaced.     £venthewo« 
nen  were  indignant  at  so  shameful  a  c|egradation  of 
the  Aniericaa  character,  and  all  lelt  as  they  should 
have  felt,  but  he  who  held  in  his  hands  the  reins  of 
authority.  ^ 

Our  morning  report  had  ^llfii  BDomiBg  made  out 
cfieetiv»men  present,  fit  for  duty  lOQfti  without  inclu« 
dikig  the  detachment  before  afloded  to,  and  without 
including  300  of  the  Michigan  militia  on  duty. 

About  dark  on  Saturday  evening  X\m  detechment 
sent  to  escort  the  provisions,  received  orders  from  Oen, 
Hall  to  return  with  a«  much  oxpedition  as  possible. 
About  ten  o'clock  the  nest  day  they  arrived  witliin 
sight  of  Detroit  Had  a  firing  been  heard,  or  any  re* 
sistence  visible,  they  would  haveimmediotdv  advanc* 
cd  and  attecked  the  rear  of  the  enemy.  The  situa* 
tion  in  which  this  detachment  was  plaeed,  althoufffa 
the  result  of  accident,  was  the  best  for  annoying  the 
enemy  and  cutting  off  hisretreat  that  could  have  been 
selected.  With  his  raw  troops  enclosed  between  two 
fires  and  ho  hopes  of  succor,  it  is  hazarding  little  to 
say,  that  very  tew  would  have  escaped. 

I  have  been  informed  by  Col.  Findley,  who  saw 
the  return  of  their  quartcr-master*generaltheday  after 
the  surrender,  that  their  whole,  force  of  every  descrip* 
tion,  white,  red,  and  Mack,  was  1030.  T^y  had 
twenty  nine  platoons,  twelve  in  a  platoon,  of  men  dres- 
sed in  uniform.  Many  of  these  were  evidently  Can* 
adian  militia.  The  rest  of  the  militia  increased  their 
white  force  to  dbout  seven  hundred  men..  The.  num* 
ber  of  tbei  Indians  could  not  be  ascertained  with  any 
degree  of  precision  $  not  many  were  visible.  And  in 
t^ev«ntof  an  attack  upon  the  town  and  fort,  ^  was  a 


I 


HIMORT  or  THS  VTAM 


1^ 


t[ttcivs  of  forue  whioh  could  have  afturded  lib  material 
advantnffe  to  the  enemy. 

I»i  endeavoring  to  appreciate  the  motiveg  and  to  m* 
vestigate  the  catisei,  whi<ih  led  to  an  event  so  unex- 
pected and  dishonoruble,  it  is  impomible  to  find  any 
feolution  inthe  relative  strength  of' the  contending  partieN, 
or  in  the  measures  of  resistance  in  our  power.  That 
we  wera  far  superior  to  the  enemy  ;  that  upon  any 
urdinary  prinaplek  of  calculation  we  would  have  de- 
feated them,  the  wounded  and  indignant  feelings  of 
every  man  there  will  testify^ 

A  few  days  before  the  surrender,  I  was  infbrmed 
by  Gen.  Hull,  we  had  400  rounds  of  84  pound  shot  fix- 
ed, and  about  lOOjOOO  cartridges  made.  We  surren- 
dered with  the  fort,  40  barrels  of  powder^  and  2600 
titnnd  of  arms. 

The  state  of  our  prov!«iion  has  not  been  generally 
understood.  On  the  day  of  the  surrender  ^ehad  fif- 
teen days*  provisions  of  every  kind  on  hand.  Of 
m^at  these  was  plenty  in  tlie  eountry,  and  arrange* 
ments  had  been  made  for  purchasing  grain  and  grind- 
ing it  to  Hour;  -  It  was-  calculated  we  could  readily 
Erocure  three  months*  provisions,  independent  of  IdU 
arrets  flouiysnd  1800  head  of  cattle,  which  had  been 
forwarded  from  the  state  of  Ohio,  and  whidi  remained 
at  the  river  Rttisii),.  under  Capt.  Brush,  within  reach 
of  the  army^ 

But  had  we  been  totally  destitute  of  provisions,  oitt 
duty  and  our  interest  undoubtedly  was  to  fight;  The 
eneiidy  invited  as  to  medt  him  in  the  field. 

By  defeating  him  the  whole  country  would  have 
been  open  to  us,  and  the  object  of  our  expedition 
gloriously  and  successroHy  obtained.  If  we  had 
been  defeated  we  had  nothing  to  do  but  to  retreat  to 
the  fort,  And  make  the  best  defence  which  circum- 
stances and  our  situution  rendered  practicable.  But 
basely  to  sut^endei^,  without  firing  a  gun — tamely  to 
submit,  without  raising  a  biiydiitt — disgracefully  to 
pass  in  review  before  >.>n  enemy,  ns  inferior  in  the 
quality  as  in  tlio  number  of  his  foii-es,  were  ctrcum- 


1    I 


'    '       ' 


m 


:    \ 


M 


Wi 


M . 


:il 


•M!lj 


■ii  i; 


160 


HISTORY.  OF  THE  WAK. 


stances,  which  excited  feelitiflfs  of  ihdignalion  more 
easily  felt  than  described.  To  see  the  whole  of  our 
inenilui^ed  withithe  hope  of  victory^  eagerly  await-: 
ing  tJie  approaching  contest,  to  aee  thent  afterwards 
dispirited,  hopeless  and  desponding,  at  least  600  shed- 
ding tears,. because  they  were  not  allowed  to  meet 
their  country's  foe,  and  to.  fight  their  conntry's  biittles, 
excited  sensations,  wltich  no  American  ha*^  ever  be> 
fore  had  cause  to  feel;  and  which,  1  trust  in  God,  will 
never  again  be  felt,  while.one  man  remains  to  defend 
the  standard  of  the  Union*'!  >;c^<  liiw  yixff 'frRr» Mrr**-: 

>  I  am  expressly  authorised  to  state,  that  Cblonel 
M* Arthur,  and  Col.  Findley,.and  Lieut.  Oil.  Miller^ 
viewed  thiflr  transaction  in  theiight  which  I  do.  They 
know  and  teeU  tiiat  Qo  circumstnpce  in  our  situation; 
none  in  that  of  the  enemy,  can  excuse  a  capitulation  so 
dishonorable  and  unjustifiable.  This  too,':is  the.tthi. 
vemd  sentiment  i  among  the  >  troops  ;  and  I  shall  be 
surpriised  tO: learn,  that  Uiere  ia  one  mait,.whb  thinks,  it 
ws^. necessary  to  sheath  his.  sword,  or  lay  down  his 
musket. .  ;     . 

I  wasjinformed  by  Gen.  Hull  the  morning  after 
the  capitulation,  that  the  British  forces  consisted  of 
of  1800  regulars,  and  that  he  surrendered  to  prevent 
tbeeilJasion  of  human  blood.  That  he  magnified 
their^'egularforce  nearly  fi  fold,  there,  can  be  no 
doubt.  Whether  the  philanthropic  reason  assigned 
by  him  is  a  sufiicieiit  jsstificatioil  for  surrendering  a 
fortified  town,  an  army  and  a  territory,  is  for  the 
government  to  determine. .  Confident  1  am,  that  had 
me  courage  and  conductot*  tiie)  Genei^l  been  cqusd 
tatlie  spirit  and  zeal  of  t*^te. troops*:  the  event  would 
have  been;  as  briUifint  and  sttccessful  as  it  now  is  dis- 
astrous and  dishonorable. 

.  yery  respectfully  sir,  I  have  the  honor  to  be  your 
most  obedient  servant,  ^oii  .uiMiub'tKiei  i . 

Qi  Y^ijin^t^f-.j  LKWIS  CASS, 

i  .  Col. :  ^  liegt.OJUo  Volunteers. 

a  The  Horn  William  EmlkySea'€ttt$'y  ^  Mflr. 


By  hi 


HISTORY  OF  TUB  WAlt. 


m 


[By  the  following  Proclamation,  it  appears  that  Gen. 
.  {lull  surrendered  the  whole  of  Michigan  Territory, 
.  to.Oed.  drocl^,  although  he  has  never  made, publip 
.  aqy  instrument  to  that  f(^\  I]        , . ,  ,  .  t  i    .     . , 

v    ^    PiMkJLAMAtlON. 
Bu  haac  jBr(H;ht  Esq.  Major-Gweralt  eommandipff 
his  majesty 8  forces  in  tfte  prmiince  q£^  Upper  (JaUadax 

Whereas  the  Territory  of  Michigan  was  tliisday 
$y  capitulation,  ceded  to  the  arms  of  his  Britpinnir. 
Majesty,  without  any  other  condition  than  t)ie  prptec- 
tiou  of  private  property ;  and  wishing  to  give  an  early 
proof  of  the  moderation  and  justice  of  the  goveriv* 
ment,  1  do  hereby  announce  to  all  the  inhabitants  of 
the  said  Territory  that  the  laws  heretofore  in  existence 
^aill  ijohlinne  iii  force  until  his  Majesty's  pleasure  De 
kitown,  or  so  long  as  the  peace  and  safety  of  the  Ter- 
ritory will  admit  thereof.  And  1  do  hereby  also  de- 
«lai^  atid'itaake  kn6Wn  to  the  said  inhabitants  that 
ih^y  sliall  be  protected  in  the  full  exefcise  and  enjoy- 
ment of  their  religion  ;  of  which  all  persons,  both  civil 
and  military,  will  take  notice  and  govern  themselves 
accordingly. 

All  persons  having  in  their  possession,  or  havine 
any  knowledge  of  any  public  property,  shall  forlhwim 
deliver  in  the  same,  or  give  notice  thereof  to  (he  offi* 
Icier  commanding,  or  Lt.  Col.  Nichol,  who  are  hereby 
authorized  td  receive  and  give  proper  receipts  forth6 
same. 

Officers  of  the  militia  will  be  held  responsible  ths^t 
sill  arms  in  possession  of  militia-men  be  immediately 
delivered  up  j  and  all  individuals  whatever,  wbo'have 
irt  their  possession  arms  of  any  kind,  will  deliver  them 
up  without  delay.  Given  utxler  my  hand  at  Detroit, 
this  10th  day  of  August,  181 2,  and  m  the  6ftd  year  of 
his  Majesty  s  reign.  .  „ 

(!&lgned)  ISAAC  motK,      r 

A  true  copy,  •  Major-General. 

J.  M'DONELL,  Lt.  Col.  Militia  fk  A.  D.  C. 


> 


.1^1 


(M 


iii 


11 


!iS   i\ 


162 


i  i 


I 


!!ill 


|UST  jllV.  OF;  THIi;,  WAR. 


.ficvO  ''  i>t  sffiafpi-T       A-  CARD,  r  tt(ii-«oi{oV»J}  /  .\ 

Colonel  Syminesi  of  the  senior  division  of  the  Ohib 
militia,  presents  his  respectful  complinients  toMajot'- 
Ceneral  firock,  commamling  his  Britannic  miajesly's 
furors,  ivhilo  and  re</>.in  Upper  Canada. 

Colonel  Symnies,  observing^,  that  by  the  4th  article 
ofth^  capitulation  of  Fort  Detroit  to  Major-general 
BrocHi  all  public  arms  moving  towards  Fort  Detroit, 
are  to  be  delivered  op,  but  as  no  place  of  deposit  is 
pointed  out  by  the  capitnlation,ybrify  thousand  stand 
of  arms  coming  within  the  description,  are  at  the  ser- 
vice of  Major-general  Brock,  if  his  excellency  will 
condescend  to  come  and  take  them.       -■  v  *^.  'f  •'•';■ 


•t:t 


' !  i:  ■ 


Copies  of  letters  'received  at  the  navg  department  from 
Capt,  Porter t  of  the  United  States  friaate  Essex,  ef 

^AtSeayAngusill,  1812. 


32  gpuns. 


i  tii-' 


SlR^Y'Knve  \%e  honor  to  inform  you  that  on  the  13th 
liis  Britannic  Majesty'  ssloopof  war  Alert,  Captain  T. 
P.  Laugharne,  ran  down  on  Our  weather  quarter,  gave 
three  cheers,  and  commeiiced  an  action  (if  so  trifling 
a  skirmish  deserves  the  name  and  after  8  minutes  fir- 
ing struck  her  colors,  with  7  feet  water  in  her  hold,  and 
much  cut  to  pieces,  and  three  men  wounded. 

I  need  not  inform  yon  that  the  officers  and  crew  ol 
Ihe  Esse^  behaved  as  I  trust  all  Americans  will  ip 
such  cases,  and  it  is  only  to  be  regretted  that  so  much 
zeal  and  activity  could  not  have  been  displayed  on  an 
occasion  which  would  have  done  them  more  honor. 
The  Essex  ha^  not  received  the  slightest  injury. 
'  The  Alert  was  out  for  the  purpose  of  taking  the 
Hornet! 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  youi 
obedient  servant, 

Signed  DAVID  PORTER. 

Hon.  Paul  Kamilton,  Secretary  of  the  Na^vy. 


,!ii 


-ft. 


i 


BISTORT  OP  THE  WAR.  103^ 

i  AJi  A I  i  T;H  "*  ^<  *c«r,  .di/^/  20. 
•  SIR — Finding  myself  much  einbafrassed  by  the 
Alert*  fromi  the  great  iiuinber  of  prisonei's  we  have  al- 
ready made,  [about  500]  1  concluded  that  before  our 
arrival  in  America,  the  number  would  be  considera- 
bly augmented,  and  as  I  found  my  provisions  and  wa- 
ter getting  short,  and  being  well  satislied  that  a  plan 
had  been  organized  by  them  for  rising  on  the  ship:  in 
event  of  an  engagement ;  I  considered  it  to  be  the 
interest  of  my  country  to  get  clear  of  them  as  speedi- 
ly as  possible,  particularly  as  I  was  well  assured  that 
immediately  on  their  arrival  in  St.  Johqs  an  equal 
number  of  my  countrymen  would  be  released  and 
find  a  sure  and  immediate  conveyance.  I  therefore 
drew  up  written  stipulations  corresponding  with  the 
accompany ing  letters;  threw  all  the  guns  of  the 
Alert  overboard ;  withdrew  ifrom  her  all  £e  men  be- 
longing t6  the  jEssex ;  appointed  lieut.  J.  P.  Wilmer 
to  command  her  as  atarlel,  put  all  my  prisoners  on 
hoard  of  her  and  dispatched  her.  for  St.  Johns,'  in 
liewfountUand,  with  orders  to  proceed  from  thence 
to  New- York  With  such  Americans  als  he  may  re- 
ceive in  exchange.  \ 

At  a  more  suitable  opportunity  I  shall  do  myself 
the  honor  to  lay  before  you  copies  of  cvei'y  paper  re- 
lative to  this  transaction^  and  sinderiely  hope  that  my 
conduci  in.  this  afl&ur  may  meet  with  your  appro- 
bation. 

-  As  the  Essex  has  been  so  annoying  about  Bermuda, 
I^Qvtk  Scotia,  and  Newfoundland,  I  expect  I  shall 
have  to  run  the  gauntlet  Uf  rough  their  cruisers ;  yon 
may  howevier  rest  assured  that  all  a  ship  of  'her  size 
can  do  diall  be  done,  and  whatever  may  be  our  fale, 
Qur  countrymen  shall  never  blash  for  us.        <  ^    ■/''  ^^ - 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c.  P;. ^ 

Signed,  D.  PORTEB, '*' 

Htm,  Paul  HamHton^  Secretary  \  <  :    l!^'- 

-  of  the  Navy,   WasMnytm,      j  ■      >  J*!?*^'^ 
•  ajiij','.           ■  v:ti««^  'Htf  ta  Jififj  vi-jfa*^  ioa.iiiiioa  rhn 


■  f 


\\ii 


WW 


:\ 


•it  l\ 


104 


lilSTOliY  OF  T»R   WAR., 


I ' '  jU,fS 

m 


DEFENCE  OF  FORT  HARRISON. 
JdMerJrom  Capt.  Z   Ttn^hr,  commntidkiu;  fort  HuT' 

Uirison,  Indiana  Tervitortfi  to  Gen.  Hanison.    »/ 
FoT  J  ■  ARIMSON,  Sept.  10,  1812. 

Dear  Sir — On  1  :iuRiday  evening,  the  3d  rnst.  after 
retreat  beating,  four  guns  were  heurd  lo  fir..'  in  the  di- 
rection where  two  young  men  (citizens  whQ  resided 
here)  were  making  bay,  aboul  400  yards  distant  from 
thelort.  I  was  immediately  impressed  witb  an  idea 
that  they  were  killed  by  the  Indians,  a^  1  bad  that  day 
been  informed  that  the  Prophet's  party  would  soon  be 
here  for,the  purpose  of  commencing  hostilities.  Pru- 
dence induced  me  to  wait  until  8  o'clock,  the  next 
morning,  when  I  sent  out  a  corporal  with  a  small 
party  to  find  them,  which  he  soon  did  h  they  had  beea 
each  ebot  with  two  balls,  and  scalped  and  cut  in  the 
most  shocking  manner.  I  had  them  brought  in  and 
bnried.  In  the  evening  of  the;  4th  insl.  old  ioseph 
I«enar,  and  bfstweenSO  and  40  Indians  arrived  from 
the  PropheCs  town,  with  a  white  flag;  among  whom 
wrc^  about  ten  women  :  the  men  were  cooiiposed 
of  cbieis  of  the.  differenti  tribe»  tliafe.  compose  the 
Prophet's  party.  A  Shawanoe  man,  that  spuke  good 
iSugli^h,  informed  me.  that,  old  Lenar  imtoided  to 
8pefii^to.m<$t!Cxt  morning,  and  ^^'  to  getsomething 
to  ^t.. , .  At  retreat,  beating,  I  examined  the  men's 
ai'n}s  and.  found,  them  all  in.  good  order^  and  com- 
pleted their  cartriges  to  16  rounds  per  man.  As  l  had 
not  b^emiible  to  mount  a  guard  of  more  thaii  six  prir 
vates  findwtwo  non-commissioned  officers,  for  some 
tin^e  past,,  and  aometiii)e&  part  of  then  every  other 
day,  U)qf|)  t^,  unhealthinessl  of  the  company^  It  hail 
not.c^ilM^iytfd  my  force  adeiquate  for  the  deitence  of- 
this  post,  should; it  lie  yigoroasly  attacked*  libad^just' 
recovered  from  a  v«H*y.  severe  attack  of  the  fever,iand 
was,9pi4b|^.tOibe  up  much  through  the  nights  After 
tattoo  I  cautioned  tti|^  guard  to  be  vigitant,<  and  or- 
dered one  of  the  non-commiawooediOfiicers/as  oenti- 
ne)s  conid  not  see  every  part  of  the  garrison,  to  walk 
around  on  the  inside  during  the  whole  night,  to  pre- 


vJBnt  the 

edthelv  1 

o'clock, 

ceiitiiiels 

to  their 

charge  of 

Indians  h 

tained  the 

posited  in 

ussingned 

post.) 

from  both 

ready  and 

extinguisi 

able  at  tha 

cause,  the 

ders— 4he 

them  into 

the  water, 

fortnnateij 

sUtck  havii 

part  of  the 

there,  throi 

oat  being  I 

and  i»  spit 

in  less  than 

fled  all  out 

house  adjoi 

tificationsi 

selves  upifli 

getting  an} 

from  Ute  ni 

ofstfveralh 

and  childn 

wived,  wh«l^ 

(iesp(m4ing 

than'SfUilt 

unptttoialnt  j 

or  Ifthien  t 

eiihftrwek  c 


il. 


HliSTOtlY  01*  *twi  WAu; 


m 


com- 
I  had 
ax  pri- 
somc 
other 
Iihadk 
nee  '<rf- 
lad'just' 
tr^  and 
After 

Oenti- 

walk 

I  pre- 


vient  the  Indians  taking  any  advantage  of  us,  provid*'^ 
ed  thelv  had  any  intention  of  attacking  us.    About  II  ' 
u'clock,  I  was  awakened  by  the  hring  of  one  of  the 
centineis ;  I  sprang  up,  pun  out,  and  ordered  the  men 
to  their  posts  j  when  my  orderly  sergeant  (who  had 
charge  of  the  upper  block  hoase)  called  out  that  the 
Indians  had  fired  tlie  lower  block  house  (which  con* 
tained  the  property  of  the  conkraetorv  whieh  Was  <ie. 
posited  in  the  lower  part,  tlie  lipper  pai't  having  been 
assingnedto  a  corporal  and  ten  privates^  as  an  ajai^tlii'l 
post.)    The  guns  had  ise^on  to  lire  nretty  smartly' 
from  both  sides.    I-  directed  the  buckets  to  be  got 
ready  and  water  Inronght  from  the  well,  and  tlie  nre 
extinguished  immedialelV)  as  it  was  hardly  perceiv* 
able  at  that  time;  but  from  debility  or  some  other 
cause,  the  men  were  very  slow  in  executing  my  oiv 
ders-— the  word^re  ajf^peared  to  throw  the  whole  of 
them  into  confusion }  and  by  the  time  they  bad  got 
the  water,  and  broken  open  the  door,  the  fire  had  An* 
fortunately  communicatedtoaqnantity  of  whisky  (the 
sUK'k  having  Sicked  several'  holes  through  the  mWef 
part  of  the  Imikling^  ^fter  the  salt  that  was  stored 
there,  through  which  they  had  introdiiced  thd  fire  with- 
out beings  discovered^  as  the  night  was  very  diirk,V 
and  m  spite-  of  e^ery  estertitfn  wo  could  make  use  oi; 
in  less  than' a  moment  it  ascended  to  the  roof^  and  baflf  ] 
fled  all  our  efforts  to  extinguiph  it.    As  that  blodU) ' 
house  adjo'medthie  barracks  that  make  part  of  the  foiv  ' 
tificaiionsi  mostof  the  men<  immi^ifiAefy  g^ve  them-' 
selves  upiftor  tost,^  and  I  in>.v*  *^e  greatest  difficulty  ih'^ 
getting  any  of  my  orders'  exeiat^^d—tind,  sit*i 'Mhat 
from  mt  ragjndpolf  the' Bre~^be  pelting  andi  bowling ' 
of  sklvdral  hiiacir^  Indians^^the  dries  of  nine  womeii^^ 
and  cbildMtv!0i  part  soldiers^  and  a  part  ciVii^enil^^' 
wives,  wh<^  Had'taken  shielter  in  the  fort)— and  th<ii'' 
despbvi4lng)  of  so  many  of  the  men»  which  was  Vt'or^- ' 
ihan'BlUil  tait  asMire  you  that  my  feelings  were  very 
unpiiitli.a[At ;  and  indeed  there  were  not  more  than  10 
or  16 hien  able t* do  a  great  deal,  the  others  being' 
eilhftrsiek  or  convalescent — and  t6  Jidd  to  our  Other 


(      1 


i    I 


IV  •! 


-'\\ 


i 


!if 


If 


.ifi! 

.1  II 


!ti! 


1^ 


HISTORY  or  THE  WAR. 


misfortunes,  two  of  the  stoutest  men  in  the  fort,  und 

ience 
my  presence  ot  mm 


Jumped  the  picket  i\m\ 


thajt  I  hfici  every 

lei^iLisi.    JBut  my  presence  of  mind  did  nut  tor  a  nuu 
iiiept  forsilke  me.     I  saw,  by  throw jng  off  part  of  tlta 
rQof  thai  joined  the  block -house  tii&l  was  on  fire.,  and 
keeping;  the  end  perfectly  wst,  thewlioierow  ofbuild- 
ingsk  mig'ht  be  saved,  and  leave  only  an  (>ntrance  of 
18  Or;  20  feet  for  the  Indians  lo  enter  after  the  house 
'w.as  (roiiRiim^j  and  that  a  temporary  brei>.sl:-vvork 
might  b«  erected  to  pr»}V>ent  their  even  'ent«^.ring,'  lliere. 
I  coiiviiMed  the  men  that  this  could  be  accomplished, 
apdjt  apncur&fi  to  iuHpsre  them  with  new  life,  and 
never  did  nr?  >  act  with  more  firmness  and  despeira« 
lion^    Tho^a  ^hat  were  able  (while  the  others  kept 
up  a  cu'iKjtant  fire  from  the  other  blo^krliouse  and  the 
two^astionsy)  mounted  the  roofs  of  the  houses  .with . 
Dr.  Clark  a|ibeir  head,  who  acted  with  the  greatest 
firmness  4nd  presence  of  mind»  the  whole,  time  .the 
attack  laMed,  which  was  7  hoursi  under  a  sbowt^r  of 
bu)|elS)ft0d  in  a  moroentthrewoffasmueHoftheroof 
OS  ,we>  necessary.    This  ijraft  done  only  w^b  the  loss 
of Qne man, and  two  wounded*  andl  am  iti hopes 
neither  of  Uiem  dangerous.— The  man  that  was  k\lJed 
was  a. little derangrd,  :and.  didnot  get.off  .the  liouse 
as  soon. as  directed,  or  be  would  nol  have  been  hurt ; 
aiid  althougr!i  the  bar^cks  were  several  t  times  in  a 
blaze, :  and  r.n  immense  quantity  of  fire  against  them, 
tbe  men.ni^d  such  exertions  that  they  kept  it  under, 
and  before  day  raised  a  temporary  breast- work  as 
higli.«»  a  man's  bead  ;  although  the.  ](ndi!aus,  cpntinu* 
cd  to  pour  iu  a  heavy  fire  of  ball  and^n  imiumera* 
ble  que^ntity  ef  arrows,  during  the  vdbole  time  tthe  .at- 
tack  lasted,  I  bad  l>ut  one  other  mini  killed  inside  the 
foit,  and  he  lost  his  life  by  being  toojaniK|iou8r7^beigoA 
intopne  ^f  the  g^Uies  pf  the  bastion^,  ahd ,  fired  ,over 
the  pickets*  and  called  qut,to  his  comrades  that heihud 
killed  (^n  Indian,  and  negl^tingio  stoop  di>%n,1n  an 
instafit  he  was  shot  dead.    One  of  the  men  that  jump- 
ed the  pickets,  returned  an  hour  before  day,  and  &'un" 
ning  np  towardH  the  gate>,  begged  fur  God  s  sake  for 


it  to  be  o| 

the  Inv'ini 

-I  d?rcw'' 

ed  to  be,  t{ 

of  them  fi 

other  bast 

Clark  di' -c 

hind  an  en 

atday  ijorh 

i  ntost  sn« 

the  Indian 

turning — ] 

The  other 

giirrison,  a 

up  a  const) 

morning,  i 

day-light,  I 

A  party  of 

to  the  citizc 

very  readily 

well  as  a  nu 

whole  of  t! 

heud,  as  Wti 

filled  up  be 

ing  of  the  b 

which  I  got 

loathe  who 

to  live  upon 

which  I  am 

whole  of  the 

pliet*b  party, 

guage,  whic 

believe  Neg 

dinhs  sufiTere 

off  all  that  w 

(Signed) 

HtsExctUett 


'  ^•>. 


HISTOEY  OF  THE  WAR. 


167 


(tto  be  opened.  I  suspected  it  to  be  a  stratagem  of 
the  Inv^nnstoget  in,  as  I  did  not  recollect  th«  voice 

-I  J;r  .'ted  the  men  in  the  bastion,  where  I  happen- 
ed to  be,  tosh^othiinlethim  be  who  he  would,  and  one 
of  them  fi  cd  at  hioibut  fortunately  he  run  up  to  the 
other  bastion,  wher'^  they  knew  his  voice,  and  Dr. 
Clark  directed  him  to  lie  down  clos6  to  the  pickets  be- 
hind an  empty  barrel  that  happened  to  be  there, '  and 
(itday  iin^ht  I  had  him  let  in.     His  arm  was  broken  in 

most  shocking  manner,  which  he  says  was  done  bjr 
the  Indians— which  1  suppose  was  the  cause  of  his  re- 
turning—I  think  it  probable  that  he  will  not  recover. 
The  other,  they  caught  about  120  yards  from  the 
jl^iirrison,  aiid  cut  him  all  to  pieces.  After  keeping 
up  a  constant  fire  until  about  six  o'clock  the  next 
morning,  which  we  returned  with  some  effect;  after 
day-light,  they  removed  out  of  the  reach  of  our  guns. 
A  party  of  them  drove  up  the  horses  that  belonged 
to  the  citizens  here,  and  as  they  could  not  catch  (hem 
very  readily,  shot  the  whole  of  them,  in  our  sight,  as 
well  as  a  number  ofthc'r  hogs.  They  drove  off  the 
whole  of  t^e  cattle,  which  amounted  to  sixty-five 
head,  as  well  as  the  public  oxen.  1  had  the  vacancy 
filled  up  before  night,  (which  was  mad«  by  the  burn.- 
iiig  of  the  block  house)  w  i)h  a  strong  row  of  pickets, 
which  I  got  by  pulling  down  the  guard  house.  We 
lo^  the  whole  of  our  provisions,  but  must  make  out 
to  live  upon  green  corn  until  we  can  get  a  supply, 
which  I  am  in  hopes  will  nut  be  long.  1  believe  the 
whole  of  the  Miamies  or  Weas,  were  among  the  PrO' 
piiet*s  party,  as  one  chief  g^ve  his  orders  in  that  Ian< 
gnage,  which  restembled  Stone  £ater's  voice,  an4 1 
believe  Negro  Legs  was  there  likewise.  The  In* 
dinhs  suffered  smartly,  but  were  so  immerous  as  toitnke 
off  all  that  were  shot. 

(Signed)    v;  Z.  TAYLqR.W5: 

Ills  ExctUtViC^  (Governor  Harrison.  i  'i^^^ii  bi/s; 


M'  <lo^ 


?:Hf  #!    n  lyirA  off ji\'>i<^'t  ;f>!ilr:  .fhh-.d 


.-■  il 

i 


'V|: 


i       l\ 


« 


;  \ 


*■ 


III 


■!ir 


^Q» 


XISTOmV  OV  THE  W4B. 


1'^ 


i 


w 


iNii 

.'_  '[ 

i, 
''1 

liir 

1   '.' 

'k 

.  .   i 

i 

J  t 

Copy  of  a  ktti.  from  Major  TJiOmas  S.  Jessup  and 
Jam€$  Taylor^  O..  M*  Gen,  A.  W.  Army,  to  a 
yentlemanin  Wu^lin^toH  Cilyttkiied 
uii  ^  ChiiicOlhcfOhiaJOvLJ. 

SIR— Your  leUer  has  been  received,  itqnestingr 
from  lis  a  corroboration  of  Col.  Cass's  statement  to 
the  Secretary  of  War,  of  the  durreiHlef  of  the  north- 
.west^rn  army.  We  have  read  the, cotoneKs  statement 
y/'\[\n  attention,  and  6nd  it  »  pretty  correct  hidtory  of 
oar  situation,  although  we  have  observed  that  some 
important  facts  have  been  omitted.  We  havd  also 
xead  and  examined  the  official  report  of  Gen'.  Hull,  and 
.4|)<Kvefonnd  it  abounding  with  inaccuracies  and  mistate- 
Q^ents ;  the  general  has  not  only  underrated  bis  own 
:|brce,  bat  has,  ih  our  opinion,  magnified  infinitely  that 
of  the  enemy,  and  enumerated  dangers  and  difficuI^ 
ties  that  existed  only  in  imagination. 

That  the  means  within  our  power  were  Qot  proper- 
.  ly  applied,  is  a  melancholy  fact ;  and  that  the  army 
was  unnecessarily  sacrificed,  and  the  Anierican  arqafi 
disgraced,  none  but  the  base  and  cowardly  will  at- 
tempt to  deny. 

You  are  aulhonscd  to  make  what  use  you  nioy  think 
proper  of  this  letter.,  7/ iiMiUH;.i!  ,    .    ^Uj'.,.. 

.    W  e  are  w  ith  much  respect.  Your  iobedient  sef^vauts, 

THOMAS  8.  JESSUP, 
'jf!!;>  «»:,  .  Brigade  Mtff or  M.  V^,  4tm!/' 

JAMES  TAYLQH, 
ir<u  Q.  M'  Gen,  A'  \y,  Awy- 

Skirmishing — Capt.  Williams,  on  the  sioih  of  Aa- 
.ffust^with  21  men,  and  two  waggons,  prqceediug 
trom  St.  Mary's  to  St.  John's  river,  was  attacked  by 
»n  ambuscading  party  of  Indians,  who  killed  one  man 
and  wounded  six  more,  including  C^pt.  W^l^n^S 
wboj^Qeived.sev^n  wounds ;  three  through  one  hand, 
and  four  in  one  leg.— rHe  effected  a  retreat  about  200 
yards  to  a  swamp,  where  he  made  a  stand,  and  fought 
until  all  the  ammunition  was  expended  on  both  sides, 
when  the  Indians  made  an  attempt  with  their  tdhiu- 
hawks,  which  this  little  band  soon  put  a  stop  to,  bj 


HISTORY  OF  THS  WAS.  109 

ehtrgftngf  bayonet  and  rushing^  on  them*  Thf  lof 
dians  destroyed  one  wUggon  and  took  the  other  ta 
carry  off  their  killed  and  wounded.  Capt.  WiUiamt 
then  proceeded  to  St.  Jokn*i  with  his  well  and  wounds 
ed,  excepting  one  man*  who  was  not  able  to  travel* 
The  next  day  a  party  of  Indians  returned  to  the  spot^ 
when  the  wounded  man  rose  up  as  well  as  he  could* 
and  called  upon  his  party  to  rush  upon  the  Indians* 
which  startled  them  in  such  a  manner  that  one  of 
them  sprung  from  his  horse,  which,  the  wvunded 
man  caught,  and  arrived  safe  at  St.  John's. 


Capt.  Forsyth,  with .  70  of  his  rifle  company,  and  34 
militia  votunteers,  on  the  night  of  the  30th  Septembei^ 
1813,  went  over  to  a  snail  village  called  Gananoque^ 
in  the  town  of  Leeds,  from  C'tpa-  Vincent,  for  th^ 
purpose  of  destroying  tlie  king's  store  house  at  tb«t 
place.  They  landed  unobserved,  but  were  soon  dicK 
covered  by  a  party  of  regulars  of  abotit  1!^,  and  firci4 
tipon.«-«dapt.  Forsyth  retained  tbe  fire  with  eueh 
spirit,  that  they  were  obliged  .to  retreal  to  the  village 
where  they  were  reinforced  by  a  number  of  militia, 
when  they  again  rallied,  but  hnding  the  eontestr  too 
janguine,  retreated  the  second  tme  in  disorder,  lead- 
ing 10  killed,  and  Sregiilars  and  a  number  of  militis, 
prisoners:  Capt.  Forsyth  had  ooly  one  man  killed 
and  one  slightly  wounded.  Afbsr  destroying  th^ 
•tore  house*  witl|^  quantity  of  6our  and  pork,  our 
little  band  of  heroes,  returned  to  Cape  Vincent,  tak- 
ing with  them  tbe  prisoners,  tM>  stand  of  arms,  two 
barrels  of  fixed  ammuaitiiion,  ooe  barrel  of  poivder, 
one  barrel  of  flints,  and  a  quantity  «f  plher  pubUc 
property  taken  from  the  atore^house. 


-.ii^- 


Onthe  4th  of  October,  about  forty  British  boolt, 
escorted  by  two  gun  boafes,  attempted  to  pass  iVvMn 
Johnstown  io  Prescott,  by  Ogdensbarg.T--^n  iheir 
4eaving  Johnstown,  tbe  batteries  at  Prescolt  opened  on 
Ogdensburg,  and  kept  up  a  brisk  fire,  whksb  was  m- 
32 


:.r 


Mi 


i  i  U  'i 


■k-l 


1        ^   I 


I:i< 


f:    ' 


! 


•i 


170 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


turned  in  aspiril<?cl  manner,  and  continued  twohonff. 
The  next  morning  the  enemy  commenced  a  hetivy 
cannonade  on  us  from  Prtscott,  where  the  honts  lay, 
which  was  continued  with  little  intermisNion,  through 
the  day  without  any  return  from  us ;  General  Brown 
considering  it  useless  to  lire  such  a  distance.  The 
enemy  was  very  busy  durinu^  the  day  in  preparing  for 
an  attack  on  Ogdensburg — the  next  morning  about 
10  o'clock,  25  boats,  aided  by  2  gun  boats  moved  up 
the  river  three  quarters  of  a  mile,  when  they  tacked 
and  stood  over  for  our  shore.  As  soon  as  the  boats 
changed  their  course,  the  batteries  from  Prescolt 
opened  their  fire  upon  us,  which  was  not  answen  d 
till  the  boats  had  advanced  to  about  the  middle  of  the 
river,  when  our  batteries  commenced  a  tremendous 
fire  upon  them,  which  destroyed  three,  and  caused 
the  remainder  to  seek  shelter  under  the  batteries  of 
Prescott.  Cols.  Lethridge  and  Breckenridge,  led 
the  British.  There  was  not  one  man  either  killed 
or  wounded  on  our  side,  whilst  the  enemy  lost  twelve 
killed  and  20  wounded. 

•  Affair  at  St.  Regis — Major  Young,  of  the  Troy, 
N.  I .  militia,  stationed  at  French  Millh,  on  the  ht. 
Regis  river,  having  received  intelligence  that  a  party 
of  the  enemy  had  arrived  at,  and  taken  possession  of 
St.  Regis  village,  marched  detachment,  on  the 
night  of  the  21st  October,  which  crossed  the  river  about 
3  o'clock,  and  arrived  within  half  a  mile  of  the  village 
by  din  the  morning,  unobserved  by  the  enemy.  Here 
the  Major  made  such  a  judicious  disposition  of  his 
force,  that  the  enemy  were  entirely  surrounded,  when 
a  few  discharges  upon  them  caused  them  to  sun  ender, 
after  having  5  killed,  and  several  wounded. — The 
result  of  this  affair,  was  40  prisoners,  with  their  arms, 

i  equipments,  &c.  one  stand  of  colors,  and  two  bat- 
teaux,  without  having  one  man  hurt,  on  our  side. 
Major  Young  had  the  honor  of  taking  the  6rst  stan- 

•  dard  from  the  enemy  in  the  present  war. 


HISTORY   or   THE   WAU. 


171 


heavy 
its  Iny, 
hruugh 
Brown 
The 
rmgfor 
g  ahuut 
:)ved  up 

tacked 
e  boats 
Prescolt 
[iswend 
te  of  the 
nendoiis 
1  caused 
leries  of 
Ige,  led 
er  killed 
it  iwelv^ 

le  Troy, 
the  St. 
a  parly 
ession  of 
on  the 
er  about 
e  village 
Here 
of  his 
fjd,  when 
mender, 
d.— The 
eir  arms, 
two  bat- 
ide. 
hst  slan- 


>n 


Lett&rfrom  CupUtin  Elliot  to  the  Secretary  of  ^ 
the  Navy'  ", 

Black  Rock,  Oct.  0, 1812. 

SIR — I  have  the  honor  to  inform  yuu  that  on  the 
morning  of  the  8th  iust.  two  British  vessels,  which  I 
was  inf«lrmcd  were  his  Britannic  Majesty's  brig  De- 
troit, late  the  (Jniled  States  brig  Adams,  and  the 
brig  Hunter,  mountin;]^  14  guns,  but  which  afterwards 
proved  to  be  the  brig  Ciileilonia,  both  said  to  be  well 
armed  and  manned,  cuuie  down  the  Lake  aad  anchor«> 
ed  under  the  (jrotection  of  Fort  £rie.  Having  been 
on  the  lines  for  some  time  and  m^a  measure  inactively 
employed,  I  determnied  to  make  an  attack,  and  if 
possible  to  get  possession  of  them.  A  strong  induce- 
ment  to  this  attempt  arose  from  a  conviction  that  with 
these  two  vessels  added  to  those  which  I  have  purchas- 
ed and  am  fitting  out,  1  should  be  able  to  meet  the  re> 
mainder  of  the  British  force  on  the  Upper  Lakes,  and 
save  an  incalculable  expense  and  labor  to  the  govern- 
ment. On  the  morning  of  their  arrival  I  heard  that 
our  seamen  were  but  a  short  distance  from  this  place, 
and  immediately  dispatched  an  Express  to  the  officers, 
directing  them  tq  use  all  possible  dispatch  in  getting 
their  men  to  tliis  place,  as  I  had  important  service  to 
perform.  On  their  arrival,  which  was  abouut  I'i 
o'clock,  I  discovered  that  they  had  onlv  20  pistols 
and  neither  cutlasses  nor  battle  axes.  But  on  appli- 
cation  to  Generals  Smith  and  Hall  of  the  regulars  and 
militia,  I  was  supplied  with  a  few  arms,  and  Gen. 
Smith  was  so  good  on  my  request  as  immediately  to  de- 
tach fifty  men  from  the  regulars,  armed  with  mus« 
kets. 

By  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  I  had  my  men  select^ 
ed  and  stationed  in  two  boats,  which  I  had  previous- 
ly prepared  for  the  purpose.  With  these  boats,  50 
meA  in  each,  and  under  circumstances  very  disadvan- 
tageous, my  men  having  scarely  had  time  to  refresh 
themselves  after  afatigueing  march  of  600  miles,  I  put 
off  from  the  mouth  of  Buffalo  creek,  at  1  o'clock  the 
following  morning ,  and  at  3  I  was  along  side  the  ves« 


i       > 


■     ! 

^1  ■ 

• 

i- 

^11 

'1 


i  111(1,  Iff 


>* 


^*^if^ 


st^ 


BISTORT  OF  THK  WAlt 


I  i 


1 

-Hi::. 

.   ■;  i      i 

;  1 

1 

wis.  Tn  the  space  of  about  ten  minutes  I  had  llie  pris- 
oners all  secured,  the  topftaiis  sheeted  home,  and  the 
vrs<«eli  under  way.  Unfortunately  the  wind  was  not 
anfficiently  stroni;|r  to  eet  me  up  against  a  rapid  cnrrtut 
hitothe  Lake,  where  I  had  understood  another  amicd 
tessel  lay  at  anchor,  and  1  was  obliged  to  run 
down  the  river  bv  the  Forts,  under  a  heary  fire  of 
found,  g^pe,  and  cannister,  from  a  number  of  pieces 
df  heavy  ordnance,  and  several  pieces  of  flying 
artillery,  and  compelled  to  anchor  at  a  distance  olf 
about  400  yards  from  two  of  their  batteries.  AlW 
the  dTscharg:e  of  the  first  gun,  which  was  from  the  fit- 
ing  artillery,  I  hailed  the  shore,  and  observed  to  the 
Officer,  that  if  another  gun  was  fired  I  would  bring 
the  fnisoners  on  deck,  and  expose  them  to  the  same 
fete  we  would  all  share-^but  notwithstanding,  they 
disregarded  tlia  caution  and  continued  a  constant  and 
detractive  fire.  One  tmgle  moment's  reflection  de« 
teMnined  me  not  to  commit  an  act  that  would  subject 
me  to  the  imputation  of  barl>arity.  The  Caledonia 
kftd  been  beached,  in  as  safe  a  position  as  the  circum* 
stances  wonld  admit  of,  tinder  one  of  our  batteties  at 
Ike  Black  Hock.  1  now  brought  all  the  gtuis  of  the 
Detroit  on  one  side  nett  the  -enemv,  stationed  the 
men  at  them,  and  directed  a  fire  whicn  was  continued 
^s  long  as  our  ammunition  lasted  and  circumstances 
pennitted.  During  the  contest  I  endeavored  to  |v«t 
the  Detroit  on  our  side  by  sending  a  line,  there  being 
BO  wind,  on  shore,  with  all  the  mie  I  could  muster  ; 
but  the  current  being  so  strongf,  the  boat  could  not 
real*)!  the  shore.  I  th^n  -hailed  our  shore,  iind  re* 
quested  that  warps  should  be  made  fast  on  land,  and 
sent  on  board,  the  attempt  to  all  which  agahn  prov- 
ed useless.  As  the  fire  w»^  such  as  would,  in  all 
)).robability,  sink  the  vessel  in  a  short  time,  1  dietermin* 
edto  drift  down  the  river  out  of  the  reach  ofthebat^ 
teries,  and  make  a  stand  against  the  Hying  artilleiT: 
1  acfcordinglv  cut  the  cable,  made  sari  with  verv  Hght 
airs,  9nd  at  tnat  instant  discovered  that  the  pilot  had 
abandoned  me.  I  dropped  astern  for  about  10  mi« 
nutes,  when  X  was  brought  upon  our  shore  on  Squaw 


■I  i* 


miTOliy  OV  TUB  WAtt. 


tn 


hltrnd  — gol  the  boarding  boat  ready,  had  theprisoii- 
en  pat  in  and  sent  on  shore,  with  directions  tor  the 
officer  to  return  for  me  and  what  property  we  could 
crt  from  the  brig.  He  did  not  return,  owing  to  the 
difficoKy  m  the  boat*s  getting  on  shore.  Discover* 
ing  a  skiff  nitder  the  counter,  l  put  the  four  remain- 
ing prisoners  in  the  boat,  and  with  my  officers  I  went 
on  shore  to  bring  the  boat  off.  I  asked  for  protec* 
tion  to  the  brig  of  Lieut.  Col.  Scott  who  readily  gave 
it.  At  this  moment  I  discovered  a  boat  with  about 
40  soldiers  (rom  the  Bi^ishside^  making  for  the  brig. 
They  got  oti  board,  but  were  soon  compelled  to  aban« 
don  ber,  widi  the  loss  of  nearly  all  their  men.  Ma- 
jor Ormsbee,  .Commandant  of  Fort  Erie  and  30 
privates  were  killed,  while  on  board.  During  the 
whole  of  this  morning  both,  sides  of  the  river  kept 
■p  allerniftely  a- continual  6re  on  thie  brig,  and  so 
much  injured  her  that  it  was  impossible  to  have  ioat- 
ecl  her.  Before  I  left  her,  she  hbd  t«veral  shot  of 
large  fiize  in  her  bends,  her  sails  in  ribbons,  and  rig* 
glng  all  cut  to  pieces.  < 

*  To  my  officers  and  men  I  feel  under  great  obliga*' 
tion.  ToCipt  Towiton  and  Lieut.  Roach  of  the  2d 
regiment  of  artillery.  Ensign  Prefttman  of  the  infantry^ 
Captain  Chapin,  Mr.  John  M*Comb,  Messrs.  John 
Town,  Thomas  Dain,  Peter  Overstockf i,  and  James 
Sloan,  resident  gentlemen  of  Boffalo,  ft>r  their  soldier 
and  ipailor  like  conduct.  In  a  word,  sir,  every  man 
fought  as  if  with  their  hearts  animated  only  by  the  in* 
terest  and  honor  of  their  country. 

The  prisoners  I  have  turned  over  to  the  military. 
The  Detroiit  mounted  fourteen  long  guns,  a  com- 
manding Lieut,  marines,  a  boatswain  and  gunner, 
and  56  men— «bout  90  American  prisoners  on  board, 
muskets,  pistols,  cutlasses,  and  batde  axes.  In  boar- 
ding her  1  lost  one  man,  one  officer  wounded,  Mf. 
John  C.  Gummings,  acting  midshipman,  a  bayonet 
Arough  1^  leg*— his  conduct  was  correct,  and  de» 
serves  the  notice  of  the  Department.  The  O^edonia 
mounted  two  small  guns,  blunderbusses,  pistols,  mus- 
kets, cutlasses,  and  boarding  pik«s,  12  men  iiicKidtn|^ 


I      1 


■i  ■   ' 

i 

l 


1 .1  'l 


s 

(I 


w 


i 


til 


j'it 


t: 


I 

t,;  1 


1 

i. 


■;i  ■( 

,■■] 

1! 

'if 

'' 

•  i 

174 


.HI^TOjRY  OF  THE  WAtt. 


officers,  ID  prisoners  on  board.  The  boat  boarding 
her  was  commanded  by  sailing  master  Geo.  Watts, 
who  performed  his  duty  in  a  masterly  style.  But 
one  man  killed,  and  four  wounded  badly,  I  am  atraitl 
mortally.  I  enclose  you  a  list  of  the  officers  and  men 
engaged  in  the  enterprise,  and  i^lso  a  view  of  the 
Lake  .and  river  in  the  different  situations  of  attack. 
Ill  a  day  or  two  I  shall  forward  the  names  of  the  pri- 
soners. The  Caledonia  belongs  to  the  JN.  W.  Com 
pany«  loaded  with  furs  worth  1  undei^^tood  £200,000. 
With  sentiments  of  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to 
be,  kc. 

JESSE  D.  ELLIOT. 
•  Hon.  Paul  Hamilton,  Secretary  o/tlie  Nai^jf. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Cflpt.  Heald^  late  canmand' 
ant  at  fort  Chicago,  dcUed  at  Piftsbur^f  Vet.  23^ 

lol*.  •  ,■      jftr    f.  !    '.it     U.I'-    ■    ">     •ivi'f.    ;  .»<'"r^f'#-   •     J-?'-;;-!!.-.' 

*  On  the  9th  of  August  last,  I  received  ordere  from 
General  Hull  to  evacuate  the  post  and  proceed  with 
my  command  to  Detroit  by  land,  leaving  it  at  my  dis- 
cretion to  disposeof  the  public  property  as  I  thought 
proper.  The  neighboring  Indiani)  got  the.  informa> 
^ioh  as  early  as  I  did,  and  came  in  from  all  quarters  in 
order  to  receive  the  goods  in  the  factory  store  which 
they  understood  were  to  be  given  them.  On  the  13th 
Capt.  Wells,  of  Fort  Wayne,  arrived  with  about  .30 
Miamies,  for  the  purpose  of  escorting  us  in,  by  the  re- 
quest of  General  Hull.  On  the  14th  I  delivered  the 
Indians  all  the  goods  in  the  factory  store  and  a  consid- 
erable quantity  of  provisions  which  we  could  not  take 
away  with  us.  The  surplus,  and  ammunition  I 
thought  proper  to  destroy,  tearing  they  would  make 
bad  use  of  it  if  put  in  their  possession.  I, also  de- 
stroyed all  the  liquor  on  band  suon  after  they  began  to 
collect.  The  collection  was  unusutly  large  for  that 
place,  but  they  conducted  with  the  strictest  propriety 
till  after  I  left  the  fort.  On  the  15th  at  9  in  the  morn- 
ing, we  commenced  our  march  ;  a  partof  the  Miam- 
ies were  detached  in  front  and  the  remainder  in, our 
rear,^s  guards,  under  the  direction  of  Capt.  Wells, 


'■  il 


IIISTORT  OF  THE  WAB. 


n§ 


The  situation  of  the  country  rendered  it  necessary  for 
us  to  lake  the  beach,  M^ith  the  lake  on  our  left,  and  a 
hig^h  sand  bank  on  our  ri^ht,  at  about  100  yards  dis- 
tance. We  had' proceeded  about  a  mile  and  an  half, 
when  it  was  disct/vered  that  the  Indians  were  prepar- 
ed to  attack  us  from  behind  the  bank.  I  immediate- 
ly marched  np  with  the  company  to  the  top  of  the 
bankf  when  tiie  action  commenced  ;  after  firing  one 
round,  -we  ch  -rged,  and  the  Indians  gave  way  in  front 
and  joined  tnose  on  our  flanks.  In  about  1^  minutes 
they  got  posessiou  of  all  our  horses,  provisions,  and 
baggage  of  every  description,  and  finding  the  Miamies 
did  not  assist  us,  I  drew  ofl^  the  few  men  I  had  left 
and  took  prosession  of  a  small  elevation  in  tbe  open 
prairie  out  of  shot  of  the  bank  or  any  other  cover. 
The  Indians  did  not  follow  nv>  but  assembled  in  abody 
on  the  top  of  the  bank,  and,  after  some  consultation 
among  themselves,  made  signs  for  me  to  approach 
tham.  I  advanced  towards  them  alone  and  was  met  by 
one  of  the  Potawattamie  chiefs  called  the  Black  Bird, 
with  an  interpreter.  After  shaking  hands,  he  request- 
ed me  to  sun-ender,  promising  to  spare  the  lives  of 
all  the  prisoners.  On  a  few  moments  consideration, 
I  concluded  it  would  be  most  prudent'  to  comply  with 
his.  request,  although  I  did  not  put  entire  confidence 
in  his  promise.  After  delivering  up  our  arms,  we 
were  taken  back  to  their  encampment  near  the  fort, 
and  distributed  among  the  different  tribes.  The  next 
morning  they  set  fire  to  the  fort  and  left  the  place,  tak- 
ing the  prisoners  with  them.  Their  number  of  war- 
riors was  between  four  and  five  hundred,  mostly  of 
the  Potawattamie  nation,  and  their  loss,  from  the  best 
information  I  could  get,  was  about  15.  Our  strength 
was  54  regulars  and  12  militia,  out  of  which  26  regu- 
lars and  all  the  militia  were  killed  in  the  action,  with 
two  women  and  twelve  children.  Ensign  George 
Ronan,  and  Dr.  Isaac  V.  Van  Voorhis  of  my  compa- 
ny, with  Capt.  Wells  of  Fort  Wayne,  are  to  my  great 
sorrow,  numbered  amorg  the:  dead.  Lieut.  Lina  T. 
Helm,  with  25  non-commissioned  ofiicers  and   pri^ 


^t 


•  ti 


tm 


>  I 


I7f 


HISTOItT  OF  THB  WABw 


<;t; 


tatefy  and  11  women  and  children,  were  priMueN 
%hen  we  were  separated.  Mrs.  Heald  and  myself 
were  taken  to  the  mouth  of4he  river  St.  Joseph,  and, 
^ing  both  badly  wounded,  were  permitted  to  reside 
irith  Mr.  Burnet,  an  [ndian  trader.  In  a  few  days 
after  our  arrival  there,  the  Indians  all  wenl  eflrto-takf! 
'I^ort  Wayne,  and  in  their  absence  I  engaged  a  Frencli* 
nan  to  take  us  to  Michilimaokinac  by  water,  wljere  I 
gave  mysdf  up  as  a  prisoner  of  war,  with  one  of  my 
sergeants.  The  commanding  officer,  Cupt.  Roberta, 
offered  me  every  as&istance  in  his  power  to  render 
our  situation  comfortable  while  we  remained  tliere, 
and  to  enable  us  to  proceed  on  our  journey.  To  him 
I  gave  my  parole  of  honor  and  eame  on  to  Detroit  and 
reported  myself  to  Col.  Proctor,  who  gave  us  a  passage 
to  Buffalo  ;  from  that  ())ace  1  came  by  the  way  of 
Presqoe  Isle  and  arrived  here  yesterday.* 


Copg'  nj  n  letter  from  Mr.  S.  T.  Anckraon,  enclotm^ 

one  from  Commodore  Chauncey  to  the  ^Secretary  q/' 

the^avy* 

Sacket's  Harbor,  18th  Nov.  1813. ^at  night 

SIR>-*«Stnce  the  enclo'ied  letter  from  the  Commo- 
dore was  written,  the  Growler  has  returned  with  a 
|irize,:  and  m  her  Captain  Brock,  brother  to  the  late 
.  General  of  that  name,  with  the  baggage  of  the  latter. 
By  the  prize  we  learned  that  the  E^  Moim  was  off 
tite  False  Ducks,  and  the  Commodore  has  put  off  in 
n  snow  storm  in  the  hope  of  cutting  her  off  from 
Kingston* 

From  information  received  from  Capt  Brock,  there 
is  no  question  but  that  Kingston  is  ven'  strongly  de- 
fended.  He  expressed' surprise  to  nnd  our  vessels 
had  got  out  of  the. harbor  after  hating  been  in  it ;  and 
fays  that  the  regiment  tn  which  he  belongs  is  quar- 
tered there,  dOO strong,  besides  other  regulars,  and  a 
well  appointed  militia.  The  resistance  made  fully 
.jnstiSeis  this  report.    Be  assured,  m,  that  in  the  at- 


■Ifif 


BlStORY  OF  THE  WAR*. 


17T 


(ibn  of  iit'Iiicti  the  Commodore  has  given  you  an  Ak*- 
OQOnt^  the  National  honor  has  been  most  ably  stip«- 
ported. 

In  |(real  hute«  your  mosf  dbedient  servant, 

SAMUEL  T.  ANDERSON. 

Hwt..  Ptnti  ffamiitonf  Secretary  of  the  jSavy. 

Saekct*s  Harbor,  Idth  Nov.  1812. 

StR*^l  anilved  here  last  evening  in  a  gale  of  wind, 
the  pilots  having  refused  to  keep 'he  Lake.  Ontlie 
8th  I  fell  in  with  the  Royal  George,  and  chased  her 
into  the  bay  of  Qu«inti^  where  1  lost  sight  of  her  in  the 
nighl.  On  tll^  morning  of  the  9th,  we  again  ^ot 
sight  of  her  lying  in  Kingston  channel.  We  gave 
(hase,  and  fuUowed  her  into  the  harbor  of  Kingston, 
where  we  engaged  her  and  the  batteries  for  one  hour 
and  45  minutes*  1  bad  made  up  my  mind  to  board 
ber«  but  she  was  so  well  protected  by  the  batteries, 
and  the  wind  blowing  directly  in^  it  was  deemed  inb< 
prudent  to  make  the  attempt  ftt  that  time ;  the  pilots 
also  refused  to  take  chai*ge  of  the  vessel.  Under 
these  circumstances,  and  it  b^ing  after  sun-down,  I 
determined  to  haul  off  and  renew  the  attack  next 
morning.  We  beat  u)>  in  good  order  under  a  heavy 
jkve  from  the  Royal  Geo[^ge  and  batteries,  to  4  mile 
point,  where  we  anchored.  It  blew  heavy  in  squalls, 
irom  the  westward  during  the  night,  and  there  itas 
every  appearance  of  a  gate  of  wind.  The  pilots  be- 
<iame  alarmed  and  t  thought  it  most  pf  udent  to  get 
into  a  place  of  more  safety.  I  therefore  (very  reluct- 
antly) deferred  renewing  the  attack  upon  the  ships 
and  torts  until  a  more  favorable  opportimity« 

In  our  passage  through  the  bay  of  Quanii,  I  dis- 
<tovered  a  shooner  at  the  village  of  Armingstown, 
which  we  took  possession  of,  but  finding  she  would 
detain  us  (beiiig  then  in  chase  of  the  Royal  George) 
I  ordered  Lieut.  Macphersun  to  take  out  her  sails  and 
rigging  and  burn  her,  which  he  did..  We  also  took 
the  schooner  Mary,  Hall,  from  Niagara,  at  the  mouth 
of  Kingston  harbor,  and  took  her  with  us  to  our  an^ 
23 


Hi' 


r'' 


li( 


Ik 


pff' 


178 


HISTORY  OP   THE  WAR. 


cborage.  The  next  morning-,  finding  tiiat  she  could 
not  beat  through  the  channel  with  us,  I  ordered  the 
sailing  master  of  the  Growler  to  take  her  uuder  con- 
voy mid  run  down  past  Kingston,  anchor  on  the  east 
end  of  Long  Island,  and  v  nt  lor  a  wind  to  conic 
up  on  .the  east  side.  I  was  also  in  hopes  that  the 
Royal  George  might  be  induced  to  follow  for  the 
purpose  of  retaking  our  prize,  but  her  commander  wus 
too  well  aware  of  the  consequences  to  leave  his  moor- 
ings. 

yVe  lost  in  this  affair  one  man  killed,  and  three 
slightly  wounded,  with  a  few  shot  in  our  sails.  The 
other  vessels  lost  no  men  and  received  but  little  injury 
in  their  hulls  and  sails,  with  the  exception  of  the  Pert, 
whose  gun  bursted  in  the  early  part  of  the  action,  und 
wounded  her  commander  (saiiitig  master  Arundel) 
badly,  and  a  midshipman  and  three  men  slightly. 
Mr.  Arundel,  who  refused  to  quit  the  deck  although 
wounded,  was  kuccked  overboard  in  beatii^g  up  to 
our  anchorage,  and  I  am  sorry  say,  wa   ^'""^^vned. 

The  Royal  George  must  have  rece  eu  very  con- 
siderable injury  in  her  hull  and  in  mm,  as  the -gun 
vessels  with  a  long  32  pounder  were  s  en  I ;  strike  her 
almost  every  shot,  and  it  was  observ?*'  that  she  was 
reinforced  with  troops  four  different  times  during  the 
action. 

It  was  thoug:ht  by  all  the  officers  in  the  squadron 
that  the  enemy  had  more  than  thiily  guns  mounted  at 
Kingston,  and  from  1000  to  1,300  men.  The  Royal 
George  protected  by  this  force  was  driven  into  the  in- 
ner harbor,  under  the  protection  of  the  musketry,  by 
the  Oneida,  and  four  small  schooners  fitted  out  as 
gun  boats ;  the  Governor  Tompkins  not  having  been 
able  to  join  in  the  action  until  about  sun-down,  owing 
to  the  lightness  of  the  winds,  and  the  Fert's  gun  hav- 
ing burst  the  second  or  third  shot. 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  sir,  youi 
obedient  servant, 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 
.    Hon,  Paul  Hamilton,  ISecretary  of  the  ISavy, 


m !  ■ 


HISTORY   OF  THE   WAU. 


171) 


Copy  of  a  Utter  from  Maj.  Gen.  Van  Bensaelaer,  'of  the 
New-  York  militUi,  to  Maj.  Gen,  Henry  Dearborn  y 
transmitted  by  t/ie  latter  to  the  department  of  :car. 

Head-Quarters,  Lewiston, 
October  14,  1812. 
SIR — As  the  movements  of  the  army  under  my 
command,  since  i  had  the  honor  to  address  you  on  the 
8th  inst.  have  been  of  a  very  important  character  pro- 
ducing consequences  serii)us  to  many  individuals  ; 
establishing  facts  artualty  connected  with  the  interest 
of  the  service  ami  safety  of  the  army  ;  and  as  I  stand 
prominently  res;»onsible  for  some  of  these  consequen- 
ces, I  beg  ieave  to  explain  to  you,  sir,  and  through 
you  to  my  country*  the  situation  and  circumstances 
in  which  I  have  had  to  act,  »nd  the  reasons  and  mo- 
tives which  governed  me  ;  and  if  the  result  is  hot  all 
that  might  have  been  vished,  it  is  such,  that  when  the 
whole  ground  shal'  he  /iewed,  I  shall  cheerfully  sub- 
mit to  the  judgment  of  my  country. 

In  my  letter  of  the  8th  inst.  I  apprized  you  that  a 
cri;$is  in  this  campaign  was  rapidly  advancing  ;  and 
that  (to  repeat  the  same  words)  *  the  blow  must  be  soon 
struck,  or  all  the  toil  and  expence  of  the  campaign  go 
for  iwthing  ;  and  morse  than  nothing,  for  the  whole 
will  be  tinged  mith  dishonor.^ 

Under  such  impiessions,  I  had  on  the  dth  inst. 
written  to  brigadier-General  Smyth,  of  the  United 
States'  forces  requesting  aa  interview  ^  ith  him,  Ma- 
jor-General  Hall,  and  the  commandants  of  the  United 
States'  regiments,  for  the  purpose  of  conferring  upon 
the  subject  of  future  operations.  I  wrote  Mbjor-Geu' 
eral  Hall  to  the  same  purport.  On  the  11th,  I  had 
received  no  answer  from  General  Smyth ;  but  in  a 
note  to  me  on  the  10th,  General  Hall  mentioned  that 
General  Smyth  had  not  yet  then  agreed  upon  any  day 
for  consultation. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  partial  success  of  lieut.  Elliot, 
at  Black  Rook,  (of  which,  however,  I  have  received 
no  official  information^  began  to  ex9ite  a  strong  dispo- 
sition in  the  troops  to  act.    This  was  expressed  to  me 


ki 


% 


'I 


lit 


^1 


IH> 


mSTOHV  OV  THE  WAI^. 


t)](ro|ieh  various  channels  in  tjip  sh^pe  o(  an  alternative : 
t];iat  they  fnust  have  orders  to  act  j  or  at  all  hazards, 
they  would  ffo  /tome.  I  forbear  here  coDumenting  up- 
on th^  obvious  consequences  to  nie,  personally,  oT  lon- 
ger withholding  my  orders  under  snch  circumstances, 

I  had  a  conference  with  •  las  to  the  possibillily  of 
getting'  some  pers<m  to  pass  Over  to  Canadu  aud,  o1>t 
.t^in  correct  intormation.  On  the  morning  of  tiie  4th»  hf 
vfi^otp  to  me  that  he  had  prQpured  the  man  who  bore  his 
Jie^erto  go  over.  lustructions  were  given  him ;  lie  I'ast 
§e4  over-Troblajncd  such  ipforniation  as  warianltid  an 
imip^di^t^  a^ttack*  This  was  confidently  communis 
fated  V>  several  of  my  first  officers,  and  produced 
grfsat  Zj^^l  to  act ;  more  especially  as  it  might  have  a 
cpntroling  ef£^i  upon  the  movements  at  Detroit,, 
iwhfre  it  was  supposed  General  1  l^frofk  h^d  gone  with 
%\\  the  force  he  dared  spare  from  the  Nitigara  froutwr* 
Xi*^  W^X  preparations  in  my  power  wer^»  iherefor^^ 
made  tp  dislodge  the  enemy  from  the  {jleights  of 
fj^aeen^ton,  an<l  potjsfws  ourselves  of  the  viljiige,  whiere 
ibe  troops  ought  Un  sheltered  from  thfl  (i'^^^'^^M^  io" 
plemency  of  ^e  weather* 

\4ieui.  Qo\.  Fenwick*s  flying  artillery,  and  a  detacht: 
^eu^  of  regular  troopf  under  his  command*  were  or- 
dered to  be  up  in  season  from  Fort  Niagara.  Orders 
>yere  elsp  sent  to  Gen.  3inyth  to  send  down  from  Buf- 
faloe,  such  de^chmpnts  of  his  brigade  as  existing  cir- 
CMinstances  in  that  vicinity  might  warrant.  The  at- 
l^ck  was  to  have  been  made  at  4  u'plock  in  the  morn- 
ing pf  the  Uth,  by  crossing  over  in  boats  from  tlie  oi4 
ierry  opposite  the  He^/hts.  To  avpid  ^ny  entbarrassr 
fi/^nt  in  crossing  the  ri » er,  (vvHieh  is  her^  a  sliei^t  of  vior 
knt  eddies)  e\pmnncfi4  boatmen  Wiire  procured  to 
take  the  bc«ats  from  ih«  landing  below  to  the  place  of 
embarkation.  Jbieuk.  Sim  was  cQnside>'ed  the  man 
of  greatest  skill  for  this  service.  He  went  ahead,  and 
ija  the  e%tr«a>e  darkn«ss,  psissed  the  intended  place  fur 
9p  the  river;  apd  there,  m  ^  most  extraordinary  man^ 
ner  fai^tened  ih^  boat  to  the  shpre  and  abandoned  the 
detachment    lo  (b(»  front  boat  he  had  carried  u^arly 


pvery  oar 
this  agonu 
ardor  ha( 
night.to  01 
which  CQi 
and  delugf 
light  extin 
detachmen 
was  to  hav 
After  th 
troops  woa 
plan  sugge 
act  under, 
inrght  be 
the  pneVioi 
heart  from  I 
ti6ed  to  st( 
thought  lai 
Onihen 
upon  me  fv 
that  my  reu 
and  the  ici 
Viewing 
I  iqumediately 
ijmyth'a  brij 
tion ;  but  hi 
Wn,  I  sent  qi 
with  the  vie^ 
the  force  de 
tachment  ab< 
|conttnued< 

Lieut.  Qo 
I  four  mile  Cr« 
Itemplated  at 
I  Ills  men's  sei 
I  He  now  aga 
|Col.VanR€ 
Ithe  honor  of 
Ragem«at  v 


u 


>  ■' 


BlSffCmr  OF  TRB  WilK. 


181 


fsvery  oar  which  was  prepared  for  all  thehoaftt.  In 
this  agunizing  dilemma,  atood  officers  and  men  whose 
ardor  had  not  been  cooled  by  exposure  through  the 
night.to  one  of  ih^  most  tremendous  uorth'^a^t  lAormSp 
which  continued,  unabated,  for  twenty«-eight  hours, 
and  deluged  the  whole  camp.  The  approach  of  day 
light  eHtmguished  every  prospect  of  succesy,  and  tliie 
detachment  returned  to  camp.  Col.  Van  Hensselaer 
was  to  have  commanded  the  detachment. 

After  this  result,  I  had  hoped  the  patience  of  the 
troops  would  have  continued  until  I  could  submit  th« 
plan  suggested  in  my  letter  of  the  8th,  that  I  might 
ict  under,  and  in  conformity  to  the  opinion  that 
might  be  then  e^pressc^d.  But  my  hope  was  idle : 
tbe  previously  excited  ardoir  seemed  ta  gain  new 
heart  from  the  late  miscarriagennthe  brave  were  mor- 
tified to  stop  short  of  their  object,  and  the  timed 
thought  laurels  half  won  by  an   attempt. 

On  the  morning  of  the  12tb,  such  was  the  pressure 
upon  m«  from  all  quarters,  that  I  became  satisfied 
that  my  refusal  |q  act  might  involve  me  in  suspicion 
and  the  scrvicft  in  disgrace. 

Viewing  affairs  at  Buffalo  as  yet  unsettled,  I  bad 
immediately  countermanded  the  march  of  General 
Smyth's  brigade,  upon  the  ti^ilure  of  the  first  expedi- 
tion ;  but  having  now  determined  to  attack  Q,ueeus- 
I  U>n,  I  sent  new  9rder!<  to  Gen.  Smyth  tu  march ;  not 
I  with  the  view  of  his  aid  in  the  attack,  for  1  considered 
the  forc^  detached  sufficient,  but  to  support  the  de- 
tachment aliould  the  conflict  bts  obstinate  and  long 
I  continued^ 

Lieut.  Qo\.  Chryatie,  who  had  just  arrivisd  at  the 
Ifoiir  mile  Creeks  had  late  in  the  ntglit  of  the^rst  con- 
tein|)lated  attack,  gallantly  ottiared  rae  his  own  and 
jliis  men's  service;  but  he  got  my  permission  too  late. 
iHe  now  again  came  forward ;  had  "  cotiference  witli 
iCul.  Van  Rensselaer,  and  begged  that  he  might  have 
jthe  hoiu>r  of  a  command  in  the  expedition.  The  ar- 
hageoMat  was  made.    Col.  Van  Rensselaer  was  to 


'I  i    ! 


i        I 


11 


H 


182 


HISTORY  OF  TUE  WAR. 


^'^ 


Gommtod'  one  column  of  300  militia  ;  and  Lieut. 
Col.'  Chrystie  a  column  of  the  same  number  of  regular 
troops. 

Every  precaution  was  now  adopted  as  to  boats, 
and  the  most  confidential  and  experienced  men  to 
manage  them.  At  an  early  hour  in  the  night,  Lieut. 
Col.  Chrystie  marched  his  detachment,  by  the  rear 
road,  from  Niagara  to  camp.  At  7  'o'clock  in  the 
evening,  Lieut.  Col.  Stranahan's  regiment  moved 
from  I^iagara  Falls — at  8  o'clock,  Mead's — and  at  9 
Lieut.  CoT.  Bian's  regiment  marched  from  the  same 

Elace.  All  were  in  camp  in  good  season.  Agreea« 
ly  to  my  orders  issued  upon  this  occasion,  the  two 
columns  were  to  pass  over  together;  and  soon  as  the 
heights  should  be  carried,  Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick's  flying 
artillery  was  to  pass  over ;  then  Maj.  MuUany's  de- 
tachment of  regulars ;  and  other  troops  to  follow  in 
order. 

At  dawn  of  day  the  boats  were  in  I'eadiness,  and 
the  troops  commenced  embarking,  under  the  cover 
of  a  commanding  battery,  mounting  two  eighteen 
pounders,  and  two  sixes.  The  movements  were  soon 
discovered,  and  a  brisk  fire  of  musketry  was  poured 
from  the  whole  line  of  the  Canada  shore.  Our  "foat- 
tery  then  opened  to  sweep  the  shore  ;  but  it  was,  for 
some  minutes,  too  dark  to  direct  much  fire  with  safe- 
ty. A  brisk  cannonade  was  now  opened  upon  tbe 
boats  from  three  different  batteries.  Our  battery  re- 
turned their  fire,  and  occasionally  threw  grape  upon 
the  shore,  and  was  itself  served  wjlh  shells  from  a 
small  mortar  of  the  enemy's.  Col.  Scott,  of  the  ar- 
tillery, by  hastening  his  march  from  Niagara  Falls 
in  the  night,  arrived  in  season  to  return  the  enemy's 
tire  with  two  six  pounders. 

The  boats  were  somewhii  emburrassed  with  the 
eddies,  as  well  as  with  a  shov/er  of  shot :  but  Col. 
Van  Rensselaer,  with  about  100  men,  soon  effected 
his  landing  amidm  a  tremendous  fire  directed  upon 
him  from  every  |M>int ;  but  to  the  astonishment  of  all 
who  witnessed  the  scei.e,  thisv:\u  of  the  column  ad' 


msTORY  or  Tine  war. 


188 


vcmced  slowly  against  the  fire.  It  was  aseriou)i  mfi^- 
tortuhe  to  the  van,  and  indeed  to  the  whole  expedition, 
that  in  a  few  minutes  after  landing.  Col.  Van  Rens- 
selaer received  four  wounds-*-a  bali  passed  through 
the  right  thigh,  entering  just  below  the  hip  bone — 
another  shot  passed  through  the  same  thigh,  a  little 
below — the  third  through  Uie  calf  of  his  leg — and  a 
fourth  cartused  his  heel.  This  was  quite  a  crisis  in 
the  expedition.  Under  so  severe  a  fire  it  was  diffi- 
cult to  form  raw  troops.  By  some  mismanagement 
of  the  boatmen,  Lieut.  Col.  Chryslie  did  not  arrive 
until  some  time  after  this,  and  was  wounded  in  the 
hand  in  passing  the  river.  Col.  Van  Uensselaor  was 
still  able  to  stand ;  and  with  great  presence  of  mind 
ordered  his  officers  to  proceed  with  rapidity  and 
storm  the  Fort.  This  service  was  gallantly  perform- 
ed, and  the  enemy  driven  down  the  hill  in  every  di- 
rection. Soon  after  this  both  parties  were  considera- 
bly reinforced,  and  the  conflict  was  renewed  in  seve- 
ral places — many  of  the  enemy  took  shelter  behind  a 
slone  guard-house,  where  a  piece  of  ordnance  was 
now  briskly  served.  I  ordered  the  Hre  of  our  battery 
directed  upon  the  guard-house ;  and  it  was  so  efiect- 
ually  done^  that  with  8  or  10  shot  the  tire  was  silenc- 
ed. The  enemy  then  retreated  behind  a  large  store- 
house ;  but  ifi  a  short  time  the  route  became  general, 
and  the  enemy *s  fire  was  silenced  except  from  a  one 
gun  battery,  so  far  down  the  river  as  to  be  out  of  the 
reach  of  heavy  ordnance,  and  our  light  pieces  could 
not  silence  it.  A  number  of  boats  now  passed  ^ver 
unannoyed,  except  from  one  unsilenced  gun.  For 
some  time  after  1  had  passed  over,  the  victory  appear- 
ed complete ;  but  int'ie  expectation  of  further  attackt^, 
I  was  taking  measures  for  fortifying-  my  camp  imme- 
diately— the  direction  of  this  service  I  committed  tu 
Lieut.  Totten,  of  the  engineers.  But  very  soon  the 
enemy  v.'ere  reinforced  by  a  detachment  of  several 
hunared  Indians  from  Chippewa — they  commenced 
u  furious  attack,  but  were  promptly  met  and  routed 
l)y  the  rifle  and  bayonet.     By  this  time  I  perceived 


1 

'  1 

i-r 

1 

n 


:  r    <■ 


"1  « 


184 


UlliTi>HT  UV  TUB  W]IB. 


m 


%. 


0 


my  t. .  om  were  embhrking  very  alowly.  I  pis^  inn 
lueitiately  over  to  accelerate  th^ir  tnovem^htil ;  but  to 
mv  Utter  afto.iishnieiit«  I  found  at  the  very  moment 
^hen  <ioiDpleie  victory  was  in  our  handsf  the  ardor  of 
the  un^iigiigfed  troopit  had  entirely  subsided.  I  roild 
in  all  directions-purged  men  by  every  consideration  to 
pass  over>— but  in  vain.  Lieut.  Gol.  Bl6om,who  had 
been  wounded  inHction.returhed^  mounted  bis  horse^ 
and  rode  through  the  camp ;  an  did  also  Judge  Peck, 
who  happened  tu  be  hevt'«  exhorting  the  companieft  to 
l>ruceed->^but  all  in  va.n. 

'  At  this  time  a  large  reinfor  .;ikient  from  Fort  Georgt 
were  discovered  coming  tip  the  river.  As  the  battery 
^n  the  hill  was  considered  an  important  check  againti 
(heir  ascending  the  heights,  measures  wer^  itimiedi* 
ately  taken  to  send  them  a  fresh  supply  of  amnmnio 
tion,  as  we  had  learnt  there  was  left  only  twenty  shot 
for  the  eighteen  pounders.  The  reinforcement,  hovn 
evevi  obliqued  to  the  right  from  the  road,  and  formed 
a  junction  with  the  Indians  in  the  rear  of  the  heights* 
Finding,  to  my  iiiiinitemortilicatiou^thatnoreinforce* 
meiit  xtould  pan^  over;  seeing  that  anotlier severe con^ 
fliot  mu»t  snun  ^!;ommen«;e:  and  knowing  that  the 
brave  men  ou  the  heights  Were  quite  exhausted,  and 
nearly  out  of  animunitioti,all  I  could  do  was  lo  send 
them  a  fresh  supply  of  cartridges.  At  this  critical 
moment,  1  despatched  a  note  to  Gen.  Wadsworth,  ao*' 
quainting  hiiki  with  our  situatioii-^leaving  the  couise 
to  be  pursued  much  to  hia  own  judgment-^with  as>- 
smance,  that  if  he  thought  best  tu  retre£lt,  I  would 
endeavor  tu  send  as  many  boats  as  I  could  Commariil, 
and  cover  his  retreat  by  every  Hr^  I  could  safely  make. 
But  the  boats  were  dispersed-^— ^nuany  of  the  boatmen 
hud  fled,  panic  struck-^and  but  few  got  ofl*.  But 
my  note  could  but  little  more  than  have  reached  Gen. 
Wadsworth  about  4  o'clock,  when  a  most  severe  and 
obstinate  conflict  commenced  and  continued  about 
half  an  hour^  with  a  tremeiido(i»  tire  of  canuOn,  flying' 
artillery  and  musketry.  The  enemy  succeeded,  in 
tepussessing  their  battery  ;  and  gaining  advanta5(e  on 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAB. 


IM 


every  side,  the  brave  men  who  had  gained  the  victo- 
ry, exhausted  of  strength  and  ammunition,  and  griev- 
ed at  the  unpardonable  neglect  6t'  their  fellow-sol- 
diers, ^ave  up  the  conflict. 

I  can  only  add,  that  the  victory  was  reaUy  won  ; 
but  lost  for  the  want  of  a  small  reinforcement.  One 
third  part  of  the  idle  men  might  have  suved  all. 

I  have  been  ho  pressed  with  the  various  duties  of 
burying  the  d^ad,  providing  for  the  wounded,  collect- 
ing the  pablic  property,  negociating  an  exchange  of 
Krisoners,  and  all  the  concerns  couHequent  of  such  a 
attle,  that  I  have  not  been  able  to  forward  this  dispatch 
at  as  early  an  hour  as  I  could  have  wished.  I  shall 
soon  forward  you  another  despatch,  in  which  I  shall 
endeavor  to  point  out  to  you  the  conduct  of  some  most 
gallant  and  deserving  omcers.  But  I  cannot  in  justice 
close  this  without  expressing  the  very  great  obliga- 
tion I  am  under  to  brigadier-general  WadsWorth,  Col. 
Van  Rensselaer,  Col.  Scott,  Lt.  Cols.  Christie  and  Fen- 
wick,  and  Captain  Gibson.  Many  others  have  also 
behaved  most  gallantly.  As  I  have  reason  to  believe 
that  many  of  our  troops  fled  to  the  woods,  with  the 
hope  of  crossing  the  river,  I  have  not  been  able  to 
learn  the  probable  number  of  killed,  wounded  and 
prisoners."^  The  slaughter  of  our  troops  must  have 
been  very  considerable.  And  the  enemy  have  snfiier^ 
ed  severely. 

General  Brock   is  among  their  slain,  and  his 
aid-de'-cannp  mortally  wounded. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  with  great  respect  and 
consideration,  your  most  obedient  servant,  ^ 

(Signed;   STEPHEN  VAN  RENSSELAER. 

Metfor'General. 

JVf  ajor-General  jpearboro. 


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flnrfSOC  r^gHtfurf,  and  S78  militia^  Silteing  tv  tninded,  made  pri*- 


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COTporatioii 


23  WBT  MAIN  STtliT 

WnSTm,N.Y.  MSM 

(7I6)I72-4S03 


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UIS'IOHY  OF  THE  WAIl.i 


f  ^. 


CHAPTER  V. 


;:n,'..  J  •;;fj,'#^    :• 


Documents  accompanyinff  the  Presidents  Message 
.     /  of  November  4, 1B12. 

Mr.  Monroe  to  Mr.  Russell, 
Department  of  State,  July  27, 1812. 
SIR — I  wrote  you  on  the  26th  of  June,  by  Mr. 
T^oster,  a  letter  which  he  promised  to  deliver  to  you  iu 
person  or  by  a  safe  hand. 

In  that  letter  you  were  informed,  that  the  Orders  in 
Council,  and  other  illegal  blockades,  and  the  impress, 
ment  of  our  seamen  by  Great-Britain,  as  you  well 
knew  before,  were  the  principal  causes  of  the  war, 
and  that  if  they  were  removed,  you  might  stipulate  au 
armistice,  leaving  them  and  all  other  grounds  of  dif- 
ference, for  final  and  more  precise  adjustment  by  trea- 
ty.   As  an  inducement  to  the  British  government  to 
oiscontinue  the  practice  of  impressment  from  our  ves- 
sels, by  which  alone  our  seamen  can  be  made  secure, 
you  were  authorised  to  stipulate  a  prohibition  by  law, 
to  be  reciprocal,  of  the  employmant  of  British  seamen 
in  the  public  ur  commercial  service  of  the  United 
States.    As  such  an  arrangement,  which  might  be 
made  completely  efiectual  and  satisfactory  by  suitable 
regulations  snd  penalties,  would  operate  almost  ex- 
clusively in  favor  of  Great-Britain,  for  as  few  of  our 
seamen  ever  enter  voluntarily  into  the  British  service, 
the  reciprocity  \^ould  be  nominal ;  its  advantage  to 
Great-Britain  would  be  more  than  an  equivalent  for 
any  she  derives  from  impiessment,  which  alone  ought 
to  induce  her  to  abandon  the  practice,  if  she  had  no 
other  motive  for  it.     A  stipulation  to  prohibit  by  law 
the  employment  of  British  seamen  in  the  service  of 
the  United  States,  is  to  be  uiulerstood  in  the  sense  and 
spirit  of  the  constitution.     The  passage  of  such  law 
must  depend  of  course  on  Congress,   who,  it  might 
reasonably  be  presumed,  might  give  effect  to  it. 

By  authorising  you  to  secure  these  objects  as  the 
grounds  of  an  armistice,  it  was  not  intended  to  restrict 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


187 


you  to  any  precise  form  in  which  it  should  be  done. 
It  is  nol  particularly  necessary  that  the  several  points 
should  be  specially  provided  for  in  the  convention 
stipulating  the  armistice.  A  clear  and  distinct  un- 
derstanding with  the  British  government  on  the  sub- 
ject of  impressmeiit,  comprising  in  it  the  discharge 
of  men  already  impressed,  and  on  future  blockades, 
if  the  Orders  in  Council  are  revoked,  is  all  that  is  in- 
dispensibl0.  The  Orders  in  Council  being  revoked, 
and  the  proposed  understanding  on  the  other  points, 
that  is,  on  blockades  and  impressment,  being  first  ob- 
tained, in  a  manner,  though  informal,  to  admit  of  no 
mistake  or  disagreement  hereafter,  the  instrument 
providing  for  the  armistice  may  assume  a  general 
form  especially  if  more  agreeable  to  the  British  gov- 
ernment. It  may  for  example  be  said  in  general 
terms  *  that  both  powers  being  sincerely  desirous  to 
terminate  the  differences  which  unhappily  subsist  be- 
tween them,  and  equally  so,  that  full  time  should  be 
given  for  the  adjustment  thereof,  agree,  1st,  that  an 
armistice  shall  take  place  for  that  purpose  to  com- 
mence on  the         day  of 

*  2.  That  they  will  forthwith  appoint  on  each  side 
commissioners  with  full  power  to  form  a  treaty,  which 
shall  provide,  by  reciprocal  arrangements,  for  the  se- 
curity of  their  seamen  from  being  taken  or  employed 
in  the  service  of  the  other  power,  for  the  regulation 
of  their  commerce,  and  all  other  intercittiug  quf  stions 
now  depending  between  them. 

*  3.  The  armistice  shall  not  cease  without  a  previ- 
ous notice  by  one  to  the  other  party  of  days, 
and  shall  not  be  understood  as  having  other  effect  than 
merely  to  suspend  military  operations  by  land  and  sea.* 

By  this  you  will  [>erceive  that  the  President  is  de- 
sirous of  removing  every  obstacle  to  an  accommoda- 
tion which  consists  merely  of  form,  securing  in  a  safe 
and  satisfactory  manner^  the  rights  and  interests  of 
the  United  States  in  these  two  great  and  essential  cir- 
cumstances, as  it  is  presumed  may  be  accomplished 
by  the  proposed  understauding ;  he  is  willing  that  it 
should  be  done  in  a  manner  the  most  satisfactory  and 


i          4 

■ 

n 


/  i 


'  •! 


' ,    ' 


n 


186 


BISTOAY  OV  IHE  WAU: 


rH|| 


jiili'ii: 


honorable  to  Great-Britain,  as  well  ns  to  the'  United 
Slates.        I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

'  -  JAMES  MOISROE. 

Mr.  Graham  to  Mr.  Russell. 
Dbvartment  of  State.  Ang.  0,  1812. 
SIR — The  Secretary  left  this  city  about  ten  ilay« 
a^i^o,  on  a  shor*:  <risit  to  Virginia.  Since  that  period 
Ml .  Baker  has,  in  consequence  of  some  despatches 
from  his  government  addressed  to  Mr#  Foster,  made 
to  me  a  eommunioation  respecting  the  intentions  of 
his  governmeut  as  regards  the  Orders  in  Council. 
It  was  of  a  character,  however,  so  entirely  informal 
and  confidential  that  Mr.  Baker  did  not  ieel  himself 
at  liberty  to  make  it  in  the  form  of  a  note  verbal  or 
pro  meiQoria,  or  even  to  permit  me  to  take  a  memo, 
randum  of  it  at  the  time  he  made  it.  As  it  authorises 
an  expectation  that  something  more  precise  and  de» 
finite,  in  an  official  iorm,  may  soon  be  received  by  this 
government,  it  is  the  less  necessary  that  I  should  go. 
into  an  explanation  of  the  views  of  the  President  in. 
relation  to  it,  more  particularly  as  the  Secretary  of 
Stale  is  daily  expected,  and  will  be  able  to  do  it  iii  a 
manner  more  satisfactory.  I  have  the  honor,  &c. 
;,  .TOHN  GRAHAM. 

^ ,  JWy.  Grah       to  Mr.  HusselL 

Departmenv  State,  Aug.  10, 1812. 
SIR-^Thiitkiiij^  thai  it  may  possibly  be  useful  to 
you,  I  do  myself  the  honor  to  enclose  you  a  memo- 
randum of  the  conversation  between  Mr.  Baker  and 
myself,  alluded  to  in  my  letter  of  yesterday's  date.' 
From  a  convei*sation  with  Mr.  Baker  since  this  me- 
morandum was  made,  I  find  that  I  was  correct  in 
representing  to  the  President  that  the  intimation  from 
Mr.  Foster,  and  the  British  authorities  at  Halifax  was 
to  be  understood  as  connected  with  a  suspension  of 
hostilities  on  the  frontiers  of  Canada.     Tours,  &c. 

JOHN  GRAHAM' 
Memorandum  referred  to  in  the  above  tetter. 
Mr.  Baker  verbally  communicated  to  me  for  the 
information  of  the  President,  that  he  had  receive4 


1r 


idldtORf  OF  Ttti:  WAR. 


189 


despatches  from  his  ^overrtinent  addresiied  to  Mr. 
Foster,  (dated  I  believe  about  the  17th  of  June)  from 
ivbich  he  wals  authorised  to  say,  that  an  official  de- 
claration would  be  sent  to  this  country,  that  the  Or- 
ders in  Council,  so  far  as  they  affected  the  IJ.  Statei^ 
would  be  repealed  on  the  1st  of  August,  to  be  revived 
on  the  1st  of  May,  1813,  unless  the  conduct  of  the 
French  government,  and  the  result  of  the  communi- 
cations with  the  American  government,  should  be 
such  as,  in  the  opinion  of  liis  Majesty,  to  render  their 
revival  unnecessary.  Mr.  Baker  moreover  stated 
that  the  Orders  would  be  revived,  provided  the  Amer- 
ican government  did  not,  within  fourteen  days  after 
they  received  the  official  declaration  of  their  repeal, 
admit  British  armed  vessels  into  their  ports,  and  put 
an  end  to  the  restrictive  measures  which  kid  grown 
out  of  the  Orders  in  Council. 

The  despatches  authorising  this  communiicatioiv  to 
the  American  government  expressly  directed  that  it 
should  be  made  verbally,  and  Mr.  Baker  did  not  con- 
sider himself  at  libei*ty  to  reduce  it  to  writing,  even 
in  the  form  of  a  note  verbal,  or  pro  memoria,  or  to 
suffer  me  to  take  a  meinorandum  of  his  communica* 
tioii  at  the  time  he  made  it.  I  understood  from  him' 
that  the  despatches  had  been  opened  hy  J!4n  Foster 
at  Halifax,  who  in  consequence  of  a  conversation  he 
had  had  with  Vice  Admiral  Sawyer,  and  Sir  J.  Sher* 
broke,  had  authorised  !VIr.  Baker  to  say,  that  these 
gentlemen  would  agree,  as  a  measure  leading  to  a 
suspension  of  hostilities,  that  all  captures  made  after  a 
day  to  be  tixed,  should  not  be  proceeded  against  irn* 
mediately,  but  be  detained  to  await  the  future  decision 
of  the  two  governments.  Mr.  Foster  had  not  seen 
Sir  George  Frevost,  but  had  written  to  him  by  ex- 
press, and  did  not  doubt  but  that  he  would  agree  to 
an  ariTangoment  for  the  temporary  suspension  of  hos- 
tilities. Mr.  Baker  also  stated  that  he  had  received 
an  authority  from  Mr.  Foster  to  act  as  charge  d*af* 
fairs,  provided  the  American  government  would  re- 
ceive him  ill  that  character,  for  the  purppse  of  ena- 


1i 


:lfi 


1   1 


i 

i 

'  1 

I      I 


«■ 


I'iw 


^I'-l 


it) 


WT' 


I  '. 


190 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


Ifp 

J 

i  i 

'41 

5:    , 

1 

1 1 

bling  him  officially  to  communicate  the  declaration 
which  was  to  be  expected  from  the  British  govern- 
ment ;  his  functions  to  be  understood,  of  course,  as 
ceasing  on  the  renewal  of  hostilities.  I  replied,  That 
although,  to  so  g^eneral  and  informal  a  communica- 
tion, no  answer  might  be  necessary,  and  certainly  no 
particular  answer  expected,  yet,  I  was  authorised  to 
say,  that  the  communication  is  received  with  sincere 
satisfaction,  as  it  is  hoped  that  the  spirit  in 
which  it  was  authorised  by  his  government,  may  lead 
to  such  further  communications  as  will  open  the  way 
not  only  to  an  early  and  satisfactory  termination  of 
existing  hostilities,  but  to  that  entire  adjustment  of  all 
the  differences  which  produced  them,  and  that  per- 
manent peace  and  solid  friendship  which  ought,  to  be 
mutually  desired  by  both  countries,  and  which  is  sin- 
cerely desired  by  this.  With  this  desire,  an  authority 
was  g^iven  to  Mr.  Russell  on  the  subject  of  an  armis- 
tice as  introductory  to  a  final  pacification,  as  bas  been 
made  known  to  Mr.  Foster,  and  the  same  desire  will 
be  felt  on  the  receipt  of  the  further  and  more  particu- 
lar communications  which  are  shortly  to  be  expected 
with  respect  to  the  joint  intimation  trom  Mr.  Foster 
and  the  British  authorities  at  Halifax,  on  the  subject 
of  suspending  judicial  proceedings  in  the  case  of  mar- 
attme  captures,  to  be  accompanied  by  a  suspension  of 
military  operations.  The  authority  given  to  Mr.  Rus- 
sell just  alluded  to,  and  of  which  Mr.  Foster  was  the 
bearer,  is  full  proof  of  the  solicitude  of  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States  to  bring  about  a  general 
suspension  of  hostilities  on  admissible  terms,  with  as 
little  delay  as  possible.  It  was  not  to  be  doubted 
therefore,  that  any  other  practical  expedient  for  at- 
taining a  similar  result  would  be  readily  concurred  in. 
Upon  the  most  favorable  consideration,  however, 
which  could  be  given  to  the  expedient  suggested 
through  him,  it  did  not  appear  to  be  reducible  to  any 
prslcticable  shape  to  which  the  executive  would  be 
authorised  to  give  it  the  necessary  sanction,  nor  in- 
deed is  it  probable  that  if  it  was  less  liable  to  insuper- 


I  sincere 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


101 


able  difficulties,  that  it  could  have  aiw  material 
effect  previous  to  the  result  of  the  pacific  advance 
made  by  this  government,  and  ii?hich  must  if  favora* 
biy  received,  become  operative  as  soon  as  any  other 
arrangment  that  could  now  be  made.  It  was  stated 
to  Mr.  Baker,  that  the  President  did  not,  under  ex-> 
isting  circumstances,  consider  Mr.  Foster  as  vested 
with  the  power  of  appointing  a  charge  d'affairs:  but 
that  no  difficulty  in  point  of  form  would  be  made,  as 
any  aufhentic  communication  through  him,  or  any 
other  channel,  would  be  received  with  attention  and 
respect. 

Secretary  oj  State  to  Mr.  Russell. 
Department  of  State,  Aug,  21,1812. 

[Extract.']  My  last  letter  to  you  was  of  the  27th  of 
July,  and  was  forwarded  by  the  British  packet,  the 
Althen,  under  the  special  protection  of  Mr.  Baker. 
The  object  of  that  letter,  and  of  the  next  preceding 
one  of  the  26th  of  June,  was,  to  invest  you  with  pow- 
er to  suspend  by  an  armistice,  on  such  fair  conditions 
as  it  was  presumed  could  not  be  rejected,  the  opera- 
tion of  the  war,  which  had  been  brought  on  the  Unit- 
ed States  by  the  injustice  and  violence  of  the  British 
government.  At  the  moment  of  the  declaration  of 
wt>r,  the  President,  regretting  the  necessity  which 
produced  it,  looked  to  its  termination  and  provided 
for  it,  and  happy  will  it  be  for  both  countries,  if  the 
disposition  felt,  and  the  advances  made  on  his  part^ 
are  entertained  and  met  by  the  British  government 
in  a  similar  spirit. 

You  have  been  informed  by  Mr.  Graham  of  what 
passied  in  my  late  absence  from  the  city,  in  an  inter- 
view between  Mr.  Baker  and  Him,  in  consequence  of 
a  despatch  from  the  British  government  to  Mr.  Foster, 
received  at  Halifax,  just  before  he  sailed  for  Eng- 
land, and  transmitted  by  him  to  Mr.  Baker,  relating 
to  a  proposed  suspension  or  repeal  of  the  British  Or- 
ders in  Council.  You  will  have  seen  by  the  note, 
forwarded  to  vou  bv   Mr.  Graham,  of  Mr.  Baker's 


J 


Ml 

! 

'i: 

i     I 


MJ 


i;    tl 


;i  li ,' . 


^ll 


t 


I 


t,  h 

■  ■    1 

:         >    1 

!      I 

J 

ImM 

^.1' 


192 


WSTOBTOF  TH^  WAB*^ 


mi. 


m 


communication  to  him',  that  Mr.  Foster  had  author- 
nted  him  to  state  that  the  commanders  of  the  Britinh 
forces  at  Halifax  would  agree  to  a  suspension,  after 
a  day  to  be  fixed*  of  the  condemnation  of  prizes,  to 
await  the  decision  of  both  gfovernments,  without  how- 
ever preventitisr  captures  on  either  tide.  It  appears 
also,  that  Mr.  Foster  had  promised  to  communicate 
with  Sir  George  Prevost,  and  to  advise  him  to  pro- 
pose to  our  government  an  armistice. 

Sir  George  Prevost  has  since  propcsed  to  General 
Dearborn,  at  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Foster,  a  suspen- 
sion of  offensive  opperations  by  land,  in  a  letter  which 
was  transmitted  by  the  General  to  the  Secretary  at 
War.  A-provisional  agreement  was  entered  into  be- 
tween Gen.  Dearborn  and  Colonel  Uaynes,  the  British 
adjutant  general,  bearer  of  Gen.  Prevost*s  letter,  that 
neither  party  should  act  ofiensively,  before  the  deci^ 
sion  of  our  government  should  be  taken  on  the  subject. 

Since  my  return  to  Washington,  the  document  al- 
luded to  in  Mr  Foster's  despatch,  as  finally  decided 
on  by  the  British  government,  has  been  handed  to  me 
by  Mr.  -Baker,  with  a  remark,  that  its  authenticity 
might  be  relied  on.  Mr.  Baker  added  that  it  was  not 
improbable,  that  the  Admiral  at  Halifax  might  agree 
likewise  to  a  suspension  of  captures,  though  he  did  not 
profess  or  appear  to  be  acquamted  with  his  sentiments 
on  that  point.  ;  .;.   «  ^' 

On  full  consideration  of  all  the  circumstances  which 
merit  attention,  tlie  President  regrets  that  it  is  not  in 
his  power  to  accede  to  the  proposed  arrangement 
The  following  are  among  the  principal  reasons  which 
have  produced  this  decision. 

1st.  the  President  has  no  power  to  suspend  judicial 
proceedings  on  prizes.  A  capture,  if  lawful,  vests. 
a  right,  over  which  he  has  no  control.  Nor  could  he 
prevent  captures  otherwise  than  by  an  indiscriminate 
recal  of  the  commissions  granted  to  our .  privateers, 
which  hie  could  not  justify  under  existing  circumstan> 


••Vr 


UKTQ&T  or  TUB  WAU, 


m 


» 'it<i»Tbe  proposition  is  not  made  by  theBri^nh  gov* 
flnqemt,  nor  if  thore  any  f:«rUinty  that  it  woui4  be  qpr 
proved  by  it»  The  propoiied  arrangenieut*  if  acceedr 
ed  to»  might  not  beowfrvedby  theBnti«fh  officers 
^hemseireii,  iC  Ib^ir  government,  in  consequence  of  the 
jyvart  should  give  them  instructions  of  a  different  ehar# 
acter,  f  v«n  if  they  were  given  without  a  knowledge  of 
jthe^arrangemfnt 

,  9d.  No  security  is  given,  or  proposed,  as  to  the  Indians, 
nor  could,  any  be  relied  on.  They  have  engaged  in  the 
,war  00  the  side  of  the  British  government,  and  are  now 

Prosecuting  it  with  vigor,  in  their  usual  savage  mode., 
'bey  can  only  be  restrained  by  force,  when  once  let 
loose,  and  that  force  has  already  been  ordered  out  for 
idiat  purpose. 

4tn.  The  proposition  is  not  reciprocal,  because  it  rOf 
grains  the  United  Stales  from  acting  where  their  pow- 
er is  greatest,  and  leaves  Great-Britain  at  liberty,  and 
gives  herlime  to  augmenther  forces  in  our  neighbour^ 
ood. 

6th.  That  as  a  principle  object  of  the  war  is  to  obtain 
vedress  against  the  British  practice  of  impressment,  an 
agreement  to  suspend  hostilities  even  before  ^le  Bri<* 
isTi  government  is  heard  drom  on  that  subject,  iui|^  I 
^  considered  a  relinquishment  of  that  claims 
.  G\h*  It  is  the  more  objectionable,  and  of  the  less  im^ 
portance,  in  consideration  of  the  mstructious  heretofore 
given  vou,  which,  if  met  by  the  Bhtish  government, 
may  have  already  produced  tl^  same  result  in  a 
greater  extent  and  more  satisfactory  form. 

I  might  add,  that  the  declaration  itself  is  objection*^ 
able  in  many  respects,  particularly  the  following  :^^ 

Ist.  Because  jt  asserts  a  right  in  the  British  govern* 
ment  to  restore  the  Orders  in  Council,  or  any  part 
thereof,  tp  their  full  effect  on  a  principla  of  retaliation 
on  France,  under  circumstances  df  wbich  she  alondr- 
is  to  judge ;  a  right  which  th^  ^  gover^iment  oanuol 
admit,  especially  in  the  extent  heretofore  clai9ied,> 
and  acted  on  by  the  British  governmeiit. 
:•:     :^t  cr  . .,       26.    ■.:  .<  ,      '.'■'.  i 


'il 


'      )| 


I;: 


!l 


w 


194 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


'% 


k 


i    i 


l\w 


'  2d.  TKat  the  repeal  is  founded  exclusively  on  the 
Freitch  Decree  of  the  28th  of  April,  1811,  by  which 
the  repeal  of  the  Decrees  of  Berlin  and  Milan,  an- 
nounced on  the  5th  of  August,  1810,  to  take  effect 
on  the  1st  of  November,  of  that  year,  at  which  time 
their  operation  actually  ceased,  is  disregarded,  as  are 
the  claims  of  the  United  Slates  arismg  from  the  rew 
peal  on  that  day,  even  according  to  the  British  pledge. 

3d.  That  even  if  the  Un'ted  States  had  no  right  to 
claim  the  repeal  of  the  British  Orders  in  (Council 
prior  to  the  French  Decree  of  the  28th  of  April,  181 1, 
nor  before  the  notification  of  that  Decree  to  the  Brit^ 
.  ish  government,  on  the  20th  of  May,  of  the  present 
year,  the  British  repeal  ought  to  have  borne  date, 
from  that  day,  and  been  subject  to  none  of  the  limit* 
etions  attached  to  it. 

These  remarks  on  the  declaration  of  the  Prince 
Regent,  which  are  not  pursued  with  rigor,  nor  in  the 
full  extent  which  they  might  be,  are  applicable  to  it, 
in  relation  to  the  stale  of  things  which  existed  before 
the  determination  of  the  United  States  to  resist  the 
aggressions  of  the  British  government  by  war.  By 
that  determination,  the  relations  between  the  two 
countries  have  been  altogether  changed,  and  it  is  only 
by  a  termination  of  the  war,  or  by  measures  leading 
to  it,  by  consent  of  both  governments,  that  its  calam- 
ities  can  be  closed  or  mitigated.  It  is  not  now  a  ques< 
tion  whether  the  declaration  of  the  Prince  Regent  is 
euch  as  ought  to  have  produced  a  repeal  of  the  non- 
importation act,  had  war  not  been  declared,  because, 
by  the  declaration  of  war,  that  question  is  superceded, 
and  the  non-importation  act  having  been  continued 
in  force  by  Congress,  and  become  a  measure  of  war, 
and  among  the  most  efficient,  it  is  no  longer  subject 
to  the  control  of  the  Executive  in  the  sense,  and  for 
the  purpose  for  which  it  was  adopted.  The  declara- 
tion, however,  of  the  Prince  Regent,  will  not  be  with- 
out effect.  By  repealing  the  Orders  in  Council 
without  reviving  tne  blockade  of  May>  1806,  'or 
any  other  illegal  blockade,  as  is  understood  to  be  the 


HISTORY  PW  THE   WAR. 


10(> 


€(06,  ii  removes  a  (i^reat  obstacle  to  an  accommoda- 
tion. The  President  coiHiiilei'8  it  an  iiidicuttun  of  a 
disposition  in  the  British  {{government  to  accommodate 
tb^  differences  which  subsist  between  the  two  conn* 
tries,  and  I  am  instructed  to  assure  you,  that,  if  such 
g  disposition  really  exists,  and  is  persevered  in,  and  is 
extended  to  other  objects,  especially  the  important 
one  of  impressment,  a  durable  and  happy  peace  and 
reconciliation  cannot  fail  to  result  from  it. 

Mr.  Russell  to  Mr.  Monroe. 

London,  Sept.  1, 1812. 

SIR«— You  will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  copies  of 
notes  which  have  passed  between  lord  CiMtlreagh  and 
me,  that  the  moderate  and  equitable  terms  proposed 
for  a  suspension  of  hostilities,  have  been  rejected,  and 
that  it  is  my  intention  to  return  immediately  to  the 
United  States. 

My  continuance  here,  afier  it  has  been  so  broadly 
intimated  to  me  by  his  lordship,  that  I  am  no  longer 
acknowledged  in  my  diplomatic  capacity,  and  after 
a  knowledge  that  instructions  are  given  to  the  British 
Admiral  to  negociate  an  arrangement  on  the  other 
side  of  the  Atlantic,  would,  in  my  view  of  the  subject, 
not  only  be  useless  but  improper. 

It  is  probable,  however,  that  the  vessel  in  which  I 
propose  to  embark  will  not  take  her  departure  before 
the  15th  or  20th  of  this  month. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  consideration, 
sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

JONATHAN  RUSSELL. 
^,r.  y'hehon.  James  Monroe,  Sfc. 

r.f^.-  Mr.  Russell  to  lord  Castlereayh. 

;,  London,  Aug.  24, 1812. 

•  ;My  lord — ^It  is  only  necessary,  I  trust,  to  call  the 
attention  of  your  lordship  to  a  review  of  the  conduct 
of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  to  prove  in- 
Qontrovertibly  its  unceasing  anxiety  to  maintain  the 
relations  of  peace  and  friendship  with  Great-Britain. 
Its  patience  in  suffering  the  many  wrongs  which  it 


HI 


!         I 


i 

'        1 

I* 
1     ' 

i 

\ 

4 

.1 

biMk 

w 


106 


histday  op  thb  waU, 


ban  ree«iv«<l,  and  its  perseverance  'n  endeiiVorin^  by 
Amicable  means  to  obtain  redreMs,  are  known  to  the 
%orld.  Despairing  at  length  of  receiving  this  redress 
from  the  justice  of  the  British  gevernment,  to  which 
fthiid  so  often  applied  in  vain,  and  feelHig  that  a 
further  forbearance  would  be  a  virtual  surrender  of 
Irights  and  interests  essential  to  the  prosperity  and  in^ 
dependence  of  the  nation  confided  to  its  protection, 
it  has  been  compelled  to  discharge  its  higk  doty  by 
an  appeal  to  arms.  While,  however,  it  regards  this 
coarse  as  the  only  one  which  remained  f<»r  it  to  our- 
sue  with  a  hope  of  preserving  any  portion  of  that  kind 
of  character  which  conitiiutes  tne  vilil  strength  of 
every  nation,  yet  it  is  still  willing  lo  ^ve  another 
proof  of  the  spirit  which  has  uiiiformly  distinguisheil 
its  proceedings,  by  seeking  to  arrest,  on  terms  coii«* 
aistent  with  justice  and  honor,^  the  calamities  of  war. 
It  has,  therefore,  authorised  me  to  stipulate  with  hil 
Britannic  Majesty's  government  en  amiistice  to  com* 
mence  at  or  before  the  expiration  of  sixty  duys  after 
the  signature  of  the  instrument  providing  for  it»  on 
Condition  that  the  Orders  in  Council  be  -repealed,  and 
no  illegal  blockades  to  be  substituted  to  thew,  and  that 
orders  oe  immediately  given  to  discontinue  the  im- 
pressment of  persons  from  American  vessels,  and  to 
testore  the  citi^sens  of  the  United  Stales  already  im- 
-ftressed  {  it  being  moreover  well  nndeintood  that  the 
British  government  will  assent  to  enter  into  definite 
arrangements,  as  Boon  as  may  be,  en  these  and 
every  other  difierence,  by  a, treaty  to  be  concluded 
either  at  (toudonor  Washington,  as  on  an  impartial 
consideration  of  existing  circumstiinceii  shi^H  be  deem- 
ed  most  expedient. 

As  an  inducement  to  Crreai-Britain  to  discontinue 
the  practice  of  impressment  from  American  vessels, 
I  um  authorised  to  give  assurance  that  a  law  shall  be 
{>a8Ned  (to  be  reciprocal)  to  prohibit  the  employmeni 
of  British  seamen  in  the  public  or  cominercif^  fervifili 
«f  the  United  ^tat^. 


■UTORY  or  THB  WJKx 


197 


it  ii  iracisrely  beli(Bv«d  that  Buch  an  arrailg^iDenl 
would  prove  mora  efficacious  in  aacaring  to  Great* 
BriUinher  aeamen,  than  the  practice  of  impreMment, 
10  derogatory  to  theaonroreign  attribates  of  the  United 
Slolet,  and  so  incompatible  with  the  personal  rights  of 
Iheur  citizens. 

Your  lordship  will  not  be  surprised  that  I  have  pr». 
santed  the  revocation  of  the  Orders  in  Coiincil  as  a 
preliminary  to- the  suspension  of  hdstilitiest  when  it  ia 
considered'  that  the  act  of  the  British  government  of 
the  iSd  of  Jane  last,  ordaining  that  revocation,  it 
nredicafted  on  conditions,  the  performance  of  which 
i  rendered  impracticable  by  the  change  which  ia 
tioco'known  to  have  occurred  in  the  relations  bf^tween 
the  ,two  countries.  It  cannot  ti6w  be  expected  that 
the  government  of  the  United  States  will  immediate- 
ly on  due  notice  of  thatact^  refvdke  or  cause  to  be  re^ 
voked  its  acts,  excludinar  from!  the  waters  and  harbors 
of  the  United  States  all  British  armed  vessels,  and  in« 
terdicting  commercial  intercourse  with  Great-Bri« 
{ain.  Such  a  procedure  would  necessarily  involve 
consequences  too  uiireasonable  and  ettravagant  to 
he  for  a  moment  presumed.--*The'  Oilier  in  Council 
of  the  sad  oif  June  last  wiU  therefore  according  to  its 
own  terms  be  null  and  of  no  effect,  and  a  new  act  of 
ilie  British  government,  adapted  to  existing  circum- 
stances,  is  obvionsly  required  for  the  effectual  repeal 
of  the  Orders  in  Council  of  which  the  United  Stated 
complain.        '  ;'*   '"    ^^^ 

The  government  of  thie  United  States  considers 
indemnity  for  injuries  received  nnder  the  Orders  in 
Council  smd  other  £dicts,  violating  the  rights  of  the 
American  nation,  to  be  incident  to  their  repeal,  and 
it  believes  that  latisfactorv  provision  will  be  made  in 
the  definite  treaty,  to  be  hereafter  negociated,  foi^ 
this  purpose. 

The  conditions  now  offered  to  the  British  govern- 
mentfor  the  termination  of  the  war  by  an  armistice 
as  above  stated,  are  so  moderate  and  just  in  them- 
leives,  and  so  entirely  consistent  with  its  interest  and 


'  1 


(     ;  'I 


1 

1 

1 

■  *: 

4 

1 

\ 

,  1 

n 


M,(:i|t 


■J 


198 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAB. 


bonor,  that  a  confident  hope  is  indulged  that  it  will 
not  hesitate  to  accept  them.  In  so  doing  it  will  aban^ 
don  no  right ;  it  will  sacrifice  no  interests ;  it  will  ab- 
stain only  from  violating  the  rights  of  the  United 
States,  and  in  return  it  will  restore  peace  with  the 
power  from  whom  in  a  friendly  commercial  inter- 
course so  many  advantages  are  to  be  derived. 

Your  lordship  is  undoubtedly  aware  of  the  seriou/; 
difficulties  with  which  the  prosecution  of  the  war,  even 
for  a  short  period,  must  necessarily  embarrass  all  fu- 
ture attempts  at  accommodation. — Passions  exas- 
perated by  injuries — alliances  or  conquests  on  terms 
which  forbid  their  abandonment — will  inevitably 
hereafter  embitter  and  protract  a  contest  which  might 
now  be  so  easily  and  happily  terminated. 

Deeply  impressed  with  these  trutlis,  I  cannot  but 
persuade  myself  that  his  Koyal  Highness,  the  Prince 
Regent  will  take  into  his  early  consideration,  the  pro- 
positions herein  made  on  behalf  of  the  United^tateg, 
and  decide  on  them  in  a  spirit  of  conciliation  and 
justice. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  high  consideration,  my 
lord,  your  lordship*s  most  obedient  servant, 

JONATHAN  RUSSELL. 
T/te  Right  lion,  lord  VUcount  Castlereagh,  &c. 


:!.>.•' 


Lord  Castlerenyh  to  Mr.  Russell. 

Foreign  Office,  Aug.  29, 1812. 

SIR — Although  the  diplomatic  relations  between 
the  two  governments  have  been  terminated,  by  a  de- 
claration of  war  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  I 
have  not  hesitater\  under  the  peculiar  circumstances 
of  the  case,  and  the  authority  under  which  you  act, 
to  submit  to  the  Prince  Regent  the  proposition  con- 
tained in  your  letter  of  the  24th  inst.  for  a  suspension 
of  hostlities. 

From  the  period  at  which  your  instructions  must 
have  been  issued,  it  is  obvious,  that  this  overture  was 
determined  upon  by  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  in  ignorance  of  the  Order  in  Council  of  the  23d 


■li! 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


199 


June  IhsI,  and  as  you  inform  me  tliat  you  are  not  at 
liberty  to  depart  from  the  conditions  set  forth  in  your 
letter,  it  only  remains  for  me  to  acquaint  you  that  the 
Prince  Regent  feels  himself  under  the  necessity  of 
declining  to  accede  to  the  proposition  therein  contain- 
ed, as  being  on  various  grounds  absolutely  inadmis- 
sible. 

As  soon  as  there  was  reason  to  apprehend,  that  Mr. 
Foster's  functions  might  have  ceased  in  America, 
and  that  he  might  have  been  obliged  to  withdraw  him- 
self, in  consequence  of  war  having  been  declared,  from 
the  United  States,  before  the  above  mentioned  Order 
of  the  23d  of  June,  and  the  instructions  consequent 
thereupon,  could  have  reached  him,  measures  were 
taken  for  authorising  the  British  Admiral  on  the 
American  station,  to  propose  to  the  government  of 
the  United  States,  an  immediate  and  reciprocal  revo- 
cation of  all  hostile  Orders,  with  the  tender  of  giving 
fall  effect,  in  the  event  of  hostilities  being  discontinu- 
ed j  to  the  provisions  of  the  said  Order,  upon  the  coHdi- 
tions  therein  specified. 

From  this  statement  you  will  perceive  that  the  view 
you  have  taken  of  this  part  of  the  subject  is  incorrect ; 
and  that  in  the  present  state  of  the  relations  between 
the  two  countries,  the  operation  of  the  Order  of  the 
'23d  June,  can  only  be  defeated  by  a  refusal  on  the 
part  of  your  government  to  desist  from  hostilities,  or 
to  .comply  with  the  conditions  expressed  in  the  said 
Order. 

Under  the  circumstances  of  your  having  no  pow- 
ers to  negociate,  I  must  decline  entering  into  a  de- 
tailed discussion  of  the  propositions  which  you  have 
been  directed  to  bring  forward. 

I  cannot,  however,  refrain  on  one  single  poiitt. 
from  expressing  my  surprise ;  namely,  that,  as  a  con- 
dition preliminary  even  to  a  suspension  of  hostilities, 
the  government  of  the  United  States,  should  hay^* 
thought  fit  to  demand,  that  the  British  government 
should  desist  from  its  ancient  and  accustomed  prac^ 
tice  of  impressing  British  seamen  from  the  merchuni 


i 

i 

::1 

1' 

.  « 

^1 

■  1 

'1 

i, 

'.  -i 

'■ 

1 

■1 

/ 

L 


I  «!     s 


I  f| 


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-I 


i   i 


1 


Ul 


i  hi 


\f^ 


900 


IM^TORY  OF.THS   V^ABi 


^ips  of  a.for^igiijlete,:  (KJiupIy  pn  the  auifuraiie«.tlKJi 
« law  tthall.  hereafter  b^;p«MNied  tQ  prohititl  tije^^emplpy* 
mei)t  .9^'  Bii'itish  seiupeo  io  the  puhli^  Qr  topm^rcml 

'  ^t)  The  Bi'iti«|i  goyerpraent  tiowi  as  .heretofpre>  it 
rea^y.tQ  receive  trpngi  th^  governiQent,  of  the  United 
States,  and  atnicabl^r  to  dincuss,  any  proposition  which 
professes  to  j^aye  in  view  -either  to  loneck  abuse  inthi 
.exercise  of  the  practice  of  iQipresstneot,  or  taitccQiB* 
plish  by  means  less  liable  to  vexation,  |he.  object  for 
.  wbicb  impressiiient  has  hitherto  been  fopnd  necessary, 
.  biit.they  cannot  consent  tp  suspend ,  the  exereisii  of  % 
I'ightupOQ  which  the  naval  strength  of  the. eoipirt 
mainly  depends,  until  thev  are  fully  convinced  that 
«neaii»  can  be  devised,  and  will  be  adopted,  .bsy  iivhich 
the  object  to  be  obtained  by  the  Mercipe  of  thftt  right, 
ran  b0 effectually  secured^  ■  h  ;       .  .;;    i*#ji<t  . 

I  have  the  honor  tobNB,  sir,  yiQUr rdost  pbedietit 
humble  servant, 

CASTLEREAGH. 
J.  Russell,  Esq.  &c. 

;    *  ai, . . .  Mr,  RMssell  to  lord  CastlerePffh. 
,.  London,  September  1,  1813. 

•«  My  lord*— I  have  heard  with  muph  regret,  by  your 
lordship's  note,  dated  the  29th  ult.  which  I  did  not  re- 
^iye  until  this  morning,  tlmt  the  Prince  Regent  ha» 
fthougphlt  pruiper  to  decline  to  accede  to  the  propositioo 
for  a  suspension  of  hostilities,  contained  in  my  note 
«f  the  24th  of  August.  .' 

It  has  been  matter  of  surpris^ttp  me  that,  my  view 
witli  regard  to  the  revocation  otthe Order  in  Coun« 
cil  of  the  23d  of  June  last,  should  have  been  cunsidf 
ered  ta  have  been  incorrect,  \^hen  it  appears  by  your 
lordslup*s  note  that  the  British  government  itself  had 
deemed  ^  necessary  to  give  powers  to  the  British.  Ad* 
miral  .to  stipulate  for  its  full  effect,  and .  thereby  ade 
mittedtbata  pew  act  was  r<}quired  foi*that  purpose. 

It  now  only  remains  for  me  toannource.to  your 
lordship  that  it  is  my  intention  to  embark  immediatt^l^ 


II 

■      i 

if 

'■' 1  ' 

jiL 

t     I 


IHSTORT  OV  THE  WAR. 


801 


9t  Plymoath,  on  board  the  ship  Lai-k,  for  th«  United 
Stfites,  and  to  request  that  permission  may  be  grant- 
ed, u  soon  as  may  be,  for  the  embarkation  of  my  ser- 
vants,  baggage,  andtlie  effects  of  this  leffation,  and 
that  the  necessary  passports  may  be  furnished  for  my 
own,  and  their  safe  conduct  to  that  destination. 
,  I  avail  myself  of  this  occasion  to  apprize  your  lord- 
fllvp  that  I  am  authorised  by  the  government  of  the 
United  States,  to  leave  Reuben  Gaunt  Beasely,  Esq. 
jas  it9  agent  for  prisoners  of  Mar  in  this  counti^,  and 
to  deiiire  that  every  necessary  facility  may  be  anbrd'ed 
.jiiip  |n  the  exercise  of  that  trust,  by  the  British  gov- 
ernment. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  my  lord,  your  lordship*s 
most  obedient  humble  servant, 

JONATHAN  RUSSELL. 
.    The  Rt,  him*  lord  Visamnt  Castlereagh. 


vn  .-■.:■ 


;    f.^  /    ,,    Mr,  RmseU  to  Mr.  Monroe. 

.  v'    .  London,  Septs,  1812. 

SIR— I  enclose  herein  a  couy  of  a  note,  received 
yesterday  from  lord  C^stlereagn,  which  will  acquaint 
you  that  I  have  obtained  my  passports  to  return  to  the 
united  States,  and  that  Mr.  Beasely  is  permitted  to 
remain  here  as  agent  for  prisoners  of  war.  ^^ 

Immediately  on  demanding  my  passport  I  address- 
ed to  the  consuls  a  circular  of  which  you  will  also 
lind  a  copy  enclosed. 

I  have  tiie  honor  to  be,  &c.  « 

JONATHAN  RUSSELL. 

The  hon.  James  Monroe^  ifc. 

Lord  Cmtkreayh  to  Mr.  RusieU.  ' 

Foreign  Office*  Sept.  2, 1812. 
SIR — I  have  laid  before  his  Royal  Highness,  the 
Prince  Regent,  your  letter  of  the  Ist  inst  in  which 
you  announce  your  intention  to  embark  immediately 
at  Plymouth  oa  board  the  ship  Lark,  for  the  LTnited 
Slates.  .„,    .     , 

26 


.  II 


(    ^ 


'-! 


t; 


■I 


ii 


iiil 


yt 


;.(■.' 


202 


HISTORY  OF  TllB  WAlt. 


'il 


I    I 


•  I  have  already  had  the  honor  of  >  forwarding  to  yoo 
an  admiralty  order  for  the  protection  of  that  ship  as  a 
cartel,  on  her  voyage  to  America,  and  I  herewith  en- 
close  to  you  a  passport  for  the  free  embarkation  of 
yourself  and  family,  in  confoimity  to  your  request. 
The  lords  commissioners  of  his  'Majesty*s  treasury 
will  issue  directions  to  the  comissioners  of  the  customs 
to  give  every  facility  to  the  embarkation  of  your  ef- 
fects. .  *;';':*'■•;'."• /''^  V""'.' 

If  previous  to  your  departure  from  England,  yon 
can  point  out  to  me  any  particular  manner  in  which  I 
cantucilitate  your  arrangements,  1  beg  that  you  will 
command  my  services.  . 

His  Royal  Highness,  has  commaded  me  to  signify 
to  you,  for  the  intbmiation  of  your  government,  that 
there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  allowing  Mr.  R.  G. 
Beasely,  as  stated  in  your  letter,  to  reside  in,this  coun- 
try, as  the  United  States'  agent  for  piispners  of  war. 

1  have  the  honor  to  subscribe  mjfself,  with  great 
truth  and  consideration,  sir,  your  most  obedient  hum- 
ble servant, 

(Signed)  CASTLEREAGH. 

/.  BusselltEsq* 


I  < 


»v 


CORRESPONDENCE  BETWEEN  SIR  J.  B.  WARREK 
AND  THE  SECRETARY  OF  STATE. 

Halifax,  Nova  Scotia,  Sept.  30,  1812. 

SIR — ^I'he  departure  of  Mr.  Foster  from  America, 
has  devolved  upon  me  the  charge  of  making  known 
to  you,  for  the  information  of  the  government  of  the  U- 
States,  the  sentiments  entertained  by  his  Royal  High- 
ness, the  Prince  Regent,  upon  the  existing  relations  of 
the  two  countries. 

You  will  observe,  from  the  enclosed  copy  of  an 
Order  in  Council  bearing  date  the  23d  of  June,  1812, 
that  the  Orders  in  Council  of  the  71h  of  January,  1807, 
and  the  26th  of  April,  1809,  ceased  to  exist  nearly  at 
the  same  time  that  the  government  of  the  U.  StateB 
declHBed  war  against  his  Majesty. 


WARREK 


HI$TORX  OF  THE  WAR. 


208 


Immediately  on  the  receipt  of  this  declaration  in 
London,  the  Order  in  Council,  of  which  a  copy  is 
herewith  enclosed  to  you,  was  issued  on  the  Slst  day 
of  July,  for  the  embargo  and  detention  of  all  Ameri' 
can  ships. 

Under  these  circumstances,  I  am  commanded  to 
propose  to  your  giovernment  the  immediate  cessation 
of  hostilities  between  the  two  countries  and  I  shall  be 
most  happy  to  be  the  instrument  of  bringing  about  a 
reconciliation,  so  interesting  and  beneficial  to  Ameri- 
ca, and  Great  Britain.  ,.j^. r. 

I  therefore  propose  to  you,  that  the  government  of 
the  U.  States  of  America  shall  instantly  recall  their 
letters  of  marque,  and  reprisal  against  British  ships, 
together  with  all  orders  and  instructions  for  any  acts 
of  hostility  whatever  against  the  territories  of  his  Ma- 
jesty, or  the  persons  or  property  of  his  subjects ;  with 
the  understanding,  that,  immediately  on  my  receiving 
from  you  an  official  assurance  to  that  effect,  I  shall  in- 
struct all  the  officers  under  my  command  to  desistfrom 
corresponding  measures  of  war,  againM  the  ships  and 
property  of  the  United  States,  and  that  I  shall  transmit 
without  delay,  corresponding  intelligence  to  the  sev- 
eral parts  of  the  world  where  hostilities  may  have 
commenced.  The  British  commanders  in  which, 
will  be  required  to  discontinue  hostilities  from  the  re- 
ceipt of  such  notice. 

Should  the  American  government  accede  to  the 
above  proposal  for  terminating  hostilities,  I  am  author- 
ised to  arrange  with  you  as  to  the  revocation  of  the 
laws  which  interdict  the  commerce  and  ships  of  war 
of  Great  Britain  from  the  harbors  and  waters  of  the 
U.  States  ;  in  the  default  of  which  revocation  within 
such  reasonable  period  as  may  be  agreed  upon,  you 
will  observe  by  the  order  of  the  23d  June,  the  Orders 
in  Council  of  January,  1807,  and  April,  1809,  are  to  be 
revived. 

The  officer  who  conveys  this  letter  to  the  Ameri- 
can coast  has  received  tny  orders  to  put  to  sea  immedi- 
ately upon  the  delivering  of  this  dispatch  to  the  com- 


1 'Ml 


■   i> 


m 


204 


HISTORY  OF  THK  WAR. 


■  1  . 

1    ■ 

? 

u 


petent  authority  ;  and  I  earnestly  recommend  that  no 
time  may  be  loNtincommunicatinff  tomethe  deciHioo 
of  your  iroveffnment,  persuaded  as  I  feel  that  it  cannot 
but  be  of  a  nature  to  lead  to  a  speedy  termination  of 
thepresent  differences. 

The  flag  of  truce  which  you  may  charge  with  your 
reply  wjll  find  one  of  my  cruisers  at  Sandy  Hook,  ten 
days  after  the  landing  of  this  despatch,  which  I  have 
directed  U>  call  there  with  a  flag  of  truce  for  that  pur* 
pose. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be.  with  the  highest  considera<* 
tiop,  sir,  your  most  obedient  and  most  faithful  humble 
servant. 

JOHN  BORLASE  WARREN. 

Admiral  of  the  Bluet  and  commander  in  chief,  kc, 

Mr,  Monroe  to  sir  J,  B.  Warren, 
D£PART9fRNT  OF  6tatb,  Oct.  27, 1813. 

SIR — I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter 
of  the  dOth  ult.  and  to  submit  it  to  the  consideration  of 
the  President. 

It  appears  that  you  are  authorised  to  propose  a  ces- 
sation of  hostilities  between  the  U.  States  and  Great 
Britain,  on  the  grround  of  the  repeal  of  the  Orders  iu 
CSunncil,  and  in  case  the  proposition  is  acceeded  to, 
to  take  measures  in  concert  with  this  government,  to 
carrv  it  into  complete  effect  on  both  sides. 

Von  state,  also  that  you  have  it  in  charge,  in  that 
event,  to  epter  into  an  arrangement  with  the  govern* 
ment  of  the  U.  States  for  the  repeal  of  the  laws  which 
interdict  the  ships  of  war  and  the  commerce  of  G  reat 
Britain  from  the  harbora  and  waters  of  the  U.  States. 
And  you  intimate,  that  if  the  proposition  is  not  acced- 
ed to,*  the  Orders  in  Council  (repealed  conditionally 
by  that  of  the  23d  of  June  last)  will  be  revived  against 
the  commerce  of  the  U.  States.  iif  '< 

I  am  instructed  to  inform  you,  thi|t  it  will  be  very 
satisfactory  to  the  President  to  meet  the  British  govern- 
ment in  such  arrangements  as  may  terminate  without 
d^ay  the  hostilities  which  now  exist  between  the  U. 


^n  i 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAHV 


20d 


6l«tM  and  Great  Britain,  on  conditions  honorable  to 
both  nations. 

At  the  moment  of  the  declaration  of  war,  the  Presi^ 
dent  ^ve  a  signal  proof  of  ihe  attachment  of  the  U: 
States  to  peace.  Instructions  were  given  at  that  ear- 
ly period  to  the  late  charge  des  affairs  of  the  U.  States 
at  London,  to  propose  to  the  British  government  aii 
armistice  on  conditions  which  it  was  presumed  would 
have  been  satisfactory.  It  has  been  seen  with  regret 
that  the  propositions  made  by  Mr.  Monroe,  particu* 
larly  in  regard  to  the  important  interest  of  impress^ 
ment,  was  rejected,  and  that  none  was  offered  through  ' 
that  channel,  as  a  basis  on  which  hostilities  might 
cease. 

As  your  government  has  authorised  you  to  propose 
a  cessation  of  hostilities,  and  is  doubtless  aware  of  the 
important  and  salutary  effect  which  a  satisfactory  ad- 

J'astment  of  this  difference  cannot  fail  to  have  on  the 
uture  relations  between  the  two  countries,  I  indulge 
the  hope  that  it  has,  ere  this,  given  you  full  power  Uii 
the  purpose.  Experience  has  sufficiently  evinced  that 
no  peace  can  be  durable  unless  this  object  is  provided 
for.  It  is  presumed,  therefore,  that  it  is  equally  the 
interest  of  both  countries  to  adjust  it  at  this  time. 

Without  further  discussing  questions  of  right,  the  ^ 
President  is  desirous  to  provide  a  remedy  for  the  evils  ' 
complained  of  on  both  sides.    The  claim  of  the  Bri- 
tish government  is  to  take  from  the^  merchant  vessels 
of  other  countries  British  subjects,    tn  the  practice,  thd 
commanders  of  the  British  ships  of  war  often  take 
from  the  merchant  vessels  of  the  U.  States,  American 
citizens.    If  the  United  States  prohibit  the  employ-  '- 
ment  of  British  subjects  in  their  service,  and  inforce 
tlie  prohibition  of  suitable  regulations  and  penalties. ; 
the  DMitive  for  the  practice  is  taken  away.    It  is  in 
this  mode  that  the  President  is  willing  to  accommodate 
this  important  controversy  with  the  British  goverti- 
ment,  and  it  cannot  be  conceived  on  what  ground  the 
arrangement  can  be  refused. 


1- 


'     !    >l 


li. 


4  " 


^\M' 


:r  ■  I 


'        \ 


ll,      • 


I- 


i     , 

1 
1 

i 

■  I 

'i 


;'    « 


SOtf 


BISTORT  OF  THB  WAH. 


.;  ■• '' 


;    ft: 


1 1 


A  suspension  of  the  practice  of  impressment,  pend* 
ing^  the  armistice,  seems  to  be  a  necessary  cooue- 
quence.  It  cannot  be  presumed,  while  the  parties  are 
engaged  in  a  neg^ociation  to  adjust  amicably 
this  important  differeace,  that  the  U.  States  would  ad- 
mit  the  right  or  acquiesce  in  the  practice  of  the  oppo- 
site party  ;  or  that  Great  Britain  would  be  unwilliiigr 
to  restrain  her  cruizers  from  a  pactice  which  would 
have  the  strongest  tendency  to  defeat  the  negocia*4on. 
It  is  presumable  that  both  parties  would  enter  into  the 
negociation  with  a  sincere  desire  to  give  it  effect. 
For  this  purpose  it  is  necessary  that  n  clear  and  dis'^ 
tinct  understanding  be  first  obtained  between  them,  of 
the  accdtnmodation  which  each  is  prepared  to  make. 
If  the  British  government  is  willing  to  8U8|)end  the 
practice  of  impressment  from  American  vessels,  on 
consideration  that  the  U.  States  will  exclude  British 
seamen  from  their  service,  the  regulations  by  which 
this  compromise  should  be  carried  into  efFecit  would 
be  solely  the  object  of  negociation.  The  armistice 
would  be  of  short  duration.  If  the  parties  agreed, 
peace  would  be  the  result.  If  the  negociation  failed, 
each  would  be  restored  to  its  former  state,  and  to  all 
its  pretentions,  by  recurring  to  war. 

Lord  Castlereagh,  in  his  note  to  Mr.  Russell,  seems 
to  have  supposed,  that  had  the  British  government  ac- 
cepted the  propositions  made  to  it,  G.  Britain  would 
have  suspended  immediately  the  exercise  of  a  right, 
on  the  mere  assurance  of  this  government  that  a  law 
"would  be  afterwards  passed  to  prohibit  the  employ- 
ment of  British  seamen  in  the  service  of  the  U.  States, 
and  that  Great  Britain  would  have  no  ageticy  in  the 
regulation  to  give  efiect  to  that  proposition.  Such  an 
idea  was  not  in  the  contemplation  of  this  government, 
nor  is  to  be  reasonably  inferred  from  Mr.  Russelfs 
note  ',  lest,  however,  by  possibility  such  an  inference 
might  be  drawn  from  instructions  to  Mr.  Russell,  and 
anxious  that  there  should  be  no  misunderstanding  in 
the  case,  subsequent  instructions  were  given  to  Mr. 
Russell  with  a  view  to  obviate  every  objection  of  tht' 


mSTOBT  OF  THB  WAR. 


207 


kind  allnded  to.  As  they  bear  date  on  the  27th  Jnly, 
and  were  forwarded  by  the  British  packet  Althea,  it 
is  imore  than  probable  that  they  may  have  been  receiv- 
ed and  actei*  on. 

I  am  happy  to  explain  to  you  thus  fully  the  views 
of  my  government  on  this  important  subject.  The 
President  desires  that  the  war  which  exists  between 
our  countries  should  be  terminated  on  such  conditions 
ns  may  secure  a  sold  and  durable  peace.  .  To  accom- 
plish this  great  object  it  is  necessary  that  the  interest 
oft  impressment  be  satisfactorily  arranged.  He  is 
willing  that  Great  Britain  should  be  secured  against 
the  evils  of  which  she  complains.  He  seeks  on  the 
other  hand  that  the  citizens  of  the  United  States 
should  be  protected  against  a  practice  which  while  it 
degrades  tne  nation,  deprives  them  of  their  rights  as 
freemen,  takes  them  by  force  from  their  families  and 
their  country  into  a  foreign  ser^'ice,  to  fight  the  bat- 
tles of  1  foreign  power,  perhaps  against  their  own  kin> 
dred  and  country.  ^  u  ^,    . 

I  abstain  from  entering,  in  this  ccmimunication,  in- 
to other  grounds  of  difference.  The  Orders  in  Coun- 
cil having  been  repealed,  ^with  a  reservation  not  im- 
pairing a  corresponding  right  on  the  part  of  the  U. 
States)  and  no  illegal  blockades  revive<l  or  instituted' 
in  their  stead,  and  an  understanding  being  obtained 
on  the  subject  of  impressment,  in  the  mode  herein  pro- 
posed, the  President  is  willing  to  agree  to  a  cessation 
of  hostilities,  with  a  view  to  arrange  by  treaty,  in  a 
more  distinct  and  ample  manner,  and  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  lK>th  parties,  every  other  subject  of  controversy. 

I  will  only  add  that  if  there  be  no  objection  to  an 
accommodation  of  the  difference  relating  to  impress- 
ment, in  the  mode  proposed,  other  than  the  suspension 
of  the  British  claim  to  impressment  during  tlie  armis- 
tice, there  can  be  none  to  proceeding,  without  the 
armistice,  to  an  immediate  discussion  and  arrange^- 
ment  of  an  article  on  that  subject.    This  great  ques- 


:li,i. 


ao6 


HUTOBY  OF  THB  WiJb 


(ion  b^ing  sakitfactorily  ddjaited,  the  wdy  ^ill  be 
open  either  for  an  armistice  or  any  other  co«ne  lead- 
ing moHt  conveniently  and  expeditiously  to  a  general 
pacification.        I  have  the  honor,  See. 

JAMES  MONROE. 


I    .  t- 


ir- 


i 
1 

(: 

.'1*     ■; 

i. 

■A 

Hi- 

BRITISH  CHALLENGE. 

,  Ignorant  of  the  fate  of  the  blustering  l>acrff,  ^'ir 
James  Yeo»  of  the  Southampton  frigfate,  sent  the  follow- 
ing  poUte  challenge  to  Capt.  D.  Porter,  commanderof 
the  frigate  Essex.  The  king,  *  the  fountain  of  honor/ 
dubbed  Sir  James,  a  knight ;  we  wished  Capt.  Porter 
the  pleasure  of  drubbing  him  into  a  gentleman. 

*  A  passenger  of  the  brig  Lvon  from  Havanna  to 
New- York,  captured  by  the  brig  Southampton,  sir 
James  Yeo,  commander,  is  requested  by  sir  James 
Yeo,  to  present  his  compliments  to  captain  Porter^ 
commander  of  the  American  frigate  Essex,  wonid 
be  glad  to  have  a  teie-a-4tte  any  where  between  the 
capes  of  Delaware  and  the  Havanna,  when  he  would 
have  the  pleasure  to  break  his  own  sword  over  his 
damned  head  and  put  him  down  forward  in  iions.* 

;  AMERICAN  ACCEPTANCE. 

.  Captain  Porter,  of  the  United  States  frigate  Essex, 
presents  his  compliments  to  sir  James  Yeo,  command- 
ing his  Britannic  m^|e8ty's  frigate  Southampton,  and 
accepts  with  pleasure  \m polite  invitation.  If  agreea- 
ble to  sir  James,  captain  Porter  would  prefer  meeting 
near  the  Delaware,  where,  captain  P.  pledges  his 
honor  to  sir  James,  that  no  other.  American  vessel 
shall  interrupt  their  tete-a-tete* 
The  Essex  may  be  known  by  a  flag  bearing  the 

motto — FREE  TRADE  AND  SAILORS*  RIGHTS  ; 

And  when  that  is  struck  to  the  Southampton,  cap- 
tain Porter  will  deserve  the  treatment  promised  by 
sir  James. 

Phihdelphia,  Sept.  \^t  \^\2,  .. 


I      if*/.**' 


HISTORY  OF  THB  WAE.' 


CHAPTER  VI. 


$0& 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  FROLIC  AND  WASP* 
Vapt.  Jones  to  the  Sevrelary  of  the  Navy. 

New- York,  Nov.  24,  1812. 

SIR — I  here  avail  myself  of  the  first  opportunity 
of  informing  yon  of  the  occurrences  of  our  criiiHe, 
which  terminated  in  the  capture  of  the  Wawp  on  the 
18th  of  October,  by  the  Poictiers  of  74  jfuns,  while  a 
wreck  from  damages  received  in  an  engagement  with 
the  British  sloop  of  war  Frolic,  of  22  guns ;  sixteen 
•f  them  thirty-two  pound  carronades,  and  four  twelve 
pounders  on  the  mnin  deck  and  two  twelve  pounders, 
carronades,  on  the  top-gallant-forecastle,  making  her 
superior  in  force  to  us  by  4  twelve  pounders.  The 
Frolic  had  struck  to  us,  and  was  taken  possession  of 
about  two  hours  before  our  surrenderitig  to  the  Poic- 
tiers. 

We  had  left  the  Deliuvare  on  the  13th.  The  16th 
had  a  heavy  gale,  m  which  we  lost  our  jib-boom  and 
two  men.  Half  past  eleven,  on  the  night  o\  the  ITlh, 
in  the  latitude  of  37  deg.  N.  and  Ion.  65  deg.  W.  we 
saw  several  sail,  two  of  them  appearing  very  large ; 
we  stood  from  them  for  some  time,  then  shortened 
sail  and  steered  the  remainder  of  the  night  the  course 
we  had  perceived  them  on.  At  day-light  on  Sunday 
the  18th  we  saw  them  ahead — g^ve  chase  and  soon 
discovered  them  to  beacouvuy  of  six  sail,  under  the 
protection  of  a  sloop  of  war ;  four  of  them  large  ships, 
Biouiiting  from  16  to  18  guns.  At  thirty-two  min- 
utes past  11,  A.  M.  we  engaged  the  sloop  of  war, 
having  first  received  her  fire  at  the  distance  of  fifty  or 
sixty  yards,  which  space  we  gradually  lessened  until 
we  laid  her  on  board,  after  a  well  supported  fire  of 
forty>three  minutes ;  and  although  so  near  while  load- 
ing the  last  broadside  that  our  rammers  were  shoved 
against  the  side  of  the  enemy,  our  men  exhibited  the 
same  ^acrity  which  they  had  done  during  tlie  whole 
27 


I 


'I 


;il!. 


II 


in  i 


1/ ; 


ir^i 


I  ■ 


210 


Hif^DRt   OF  tllE   V/At. 


of  the  action.  They  inimedintely  surrendered  upon 
our  gaining  their  forecastle,  no  that  no  loss  was  sus- 
tained on  either  sidi  after  boarding. 

Our  niain-top-mast  was  shot  away  between  4  and 
5  niii.utrsfrom  Ihie  cofninenccmetot  of  the  tiring,  and 
falling  together  with  the  niain-topnil  yard  across  Ihc 
larbbard  fore  and  fore-top-sail  braces,  rendered  oiii 
head-yards  unmanageable  the  remainder  of  the  action. 
At  eight  minutes  the  gad  and  and  main-top-gallant 
mast  cumo  down,  and  at  20  minutes  from  the  begin- 
ning of  the  action  every  brace  and  most  of  the  rigginj<; 
was  shot  away.  A  few  minutes  after  separalini; 
from  the  Frolic  bolh  her  masts  fell  upon  deck,  the 
mainmii»t  going  close  by  the  deck,  and  the  foremast 
twelve  or  hflcen  feet  above  it. 

The  courage  and  exertions  of  the  oflScers  and 
crew  fully  answered  my  expectations  and  wishes. 
Lieut.  Biddle's  active  conduct  contributed  much  to 
our  success,  by  the  exact  attention  paid  to  every  de- 
partment during  the  engagement,  and  the  animating 
example  he  anbrded  the  crew  by  his  intrepidity. 
Lieuts.  Rodgera,  Booth,  and  Mr.  Uupp,  shewe<l  by' 
the  incessant  fire  from  their  divisions  that  they  were 
not  to  be  surjtasMed  in  resolution  or  skill.  Mr.Kuiglil 
and  every  other  officer  acted  with  a  courage  and 
promptitude  highly  honorable,  and  I  trust  have  giv- 
en assurance  Uiat  they  may  be  relied  on  whenever 
their  services  may  be  required. 

I  could  not  ascertain  the  exact  loss  of  the  eneni} ; 
as  many  of  the  dead  lay  buried  under  the  masts  and> 
spars  that  had  fallen  upon  deck,  which  two  hours*  ev- 
ertion  had  not  sufficiently  removed.  Mr.  Biddle, 
who  had  charge  of  the  Frolic,  states  that  from  what 
he  saw  and  from  information  from  the  officers,  the 
number  of  killed  must  have  been  about  thirty,  and 
tbit  of  the  wound^l  about  forty  or  fifty — of  the  kil<> 
led  is  her  first  Lieut,  and  sailing  master ;  of  tlie 
Ivounded  Gapt.  Whinyates,  and  her  second  I^ieut.  * 
We  had  five  killed  and  five  wounded  as  per  list^ 
the  wounded  are  recovering.    Lieut  Claxton,  who 


ii 


IllS'lOliV    UF    f.1 


'ill 


previous 

b@  (it  kiM 

^cd  by  bis 

that  wi;  bust 


W9I  conHned  by  sickness,  lell  bi!» 
to  th«  ^ngaf^uiiiciit,  iiiid  tboiii*  b 
4ivi»iQfi  remained  upon  deck 
coaiUQsed  luanner  of  noliu 
loMi  uy  his  ilbtflttdie  survi 
I  am  rjH|tl'ultyf  \ 

#^  JACOB  JONES. 

miliou  Sccnlar^  of  the  Nuvif. 

decatubTviciory. 

.  Com.  IkcatHr  (o  (he  Sacnt^ry  of  the  Navy. 
U.  8.  S.  Vuileti  tjltates,  at  ma,  Oct  »0,  lai'i. 

SIR-r-I  havie  the  honor  t9  inform  you,  that  on  Ihe 
3dth  iiist  being  in  Int.  .39  d^g,  N.  loog.  39, 30  W. 
yre  fell  in  with,  and,  nfter  an  action  of  one  hour  nnd 
a  half,  captured  his  Britannic  Majesty's  frigate  Ma- 
cedonian, commanded  by  Cant.  John  Curdei),  and 
mounting  49  sarriagie  guns  (the  odd  gun  shifting.^ 
She  is  a  frigate  of  the  largest  c)a89»  two  years  ola, 
four  months  out  of  dock,  and  reputed  one  of  the  best 
sailers  in  the  British  service.  The  enepry  being  to 
windward,  hid  the  ^vantage  pf  engaging  us  at  his 
own  distance,  wbipb  was  so  great,  that  for  the  ^r^t 
half  hour  we  did  not  vse  our  carronades,  and  |it  no 
jnoment  was  b^  within  the  complete  ^fiect  pf  our 
musketry  or  grape— rio  this  circumstance  and  a  heavy 
«well,  wbicb  was  on  at  th^  time,  I  ascribe  tjhe  unusual 
leiigth  of  tiie  action.  1 

Tbe  enthusiasm  of  every  officer,  seamen,  ^nd  n*a- 
■rine  on  board  this  ship,  ou  discovering  the  enemy — 
their  steady  conduct  in  battle,  and  precision  of  their 
fire,  could  ivot  be  surpassed.  Where  all  me;t  my  tVil- 
Jest  expectations,  it  would  be  unju^  in  me  to  discrim- 
inate. Permit  me,  however,  to  recommend  to  your.par- 
iicular  notice,  my  first  Lieut.  William  li.  Allen.  H^ 
has  served  with  me  upwards  of  tiye  yeari^  and  tO  his 
uiireHiitteii  exertions  in  disciplining  the  crew,  is.  tp 
be  imputed  the  obvious  superiority  of  our  gunnery 
exhiixted  in  the  rej»nlt  of  the  content. 

Subjoiutid  )s  a  list  ol'  the  kilU  d  and  wounded  on 
both  sides.    Our  los  ,  compared  with  that  of  the  en* 


'    f 


li 


i'  i 


212 


■!  i  I: 


>H 


I        V 

I  ii 


emy,  will 
yoii  will 
in  a  few 
great  gallan 
tained  asev 
The   Mao 


OF  THE  WAR. 


small.     Amongst  our  wounded, 

|e  name  of  Lieut.  Funk,  who  died 

Uhe  action — he  was  an  officer  of 

|ise,  and  the  service  has  sus> 

m  her  miimimast,  fore  and 
inain-top>masts  and  main  yard,  and  was  much  rut  up 
in  her  hull.  The  damage  sustainedHftlhis  ship  was 
not  such  as  to  render  her  return  into^mrt  necessary, 
and  had  I  not  deemed  it  important  that  we  should 
see  our  prize  in,  should  have  continued  our  cruise. 
With  the  highest  consideration,  &c. 

STEPHEN  DECATUR. 
The  hon,  Paul  Hamilton, 

Killed  on  hoard  the  United  States  seven — and 
five  wounded. 

On  board  the  Macedonian  thirty-six  killed — and 
sixty-eight  wounded.       -""'■ 

BAINBRIDGE'S  VICTORY. 

Com.  Bninbridye  to  t/te  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 
U.  S.  Frigate  Constitutionf  St.Salvador^Jan  3. 1813. 
SIR — I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  on  the 
S9th  ultimo,  at  2  P.  M.  in  south  latitude  13  06,  and 
west  longitude  thirty  eight,  ten  leagues  distance  trom 
the  coast  of  Hrazils,  1  tell  in  with  and  captured  his 
Britannic  Majesty's  frigate  Java,  of  forty  nine  guns 
and  upwards  ot  400  men,  commanded  by  captain  Lam- 
bert, a  very  distinguished  officer.  The  action  lasled 
one  hour  and  55  minutes,  in  which  time  the  enemy 
was  completely  dismasted,  not  having  a  spar  of  any 
kind  standing.  The  loss  on  board  the  Constitution 
w<is  9  killed  and  25  wounded,  as  per  enclosed  list. 
The  enemy  had  60  killed  and  101  wounded,  certain- 
ly (among  the  latter  captain  Lamhert,  mortally)  but 
by  the  enclosed  letter,  written  on  board  the  ship,  (by 
ope  of  the  officers  of  the  Java^  and  acci<lentally  tuiind, 
it  is  evident  that  the  enemy's  wounded  must  have  been 
much  greater  than  above  stated,  and  who  must  hav^ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAB. 


213 


died  of  their  wounds  previously  to  their  being  remov- 
ed     Tlie  letter  states  sixty  killed  and  170  wounded. 

For  further  details  of  the  action,  I  beg  leave  to  re* 
fer  you  to  the  enclosed  extracts  from  my  journal. 
The  Java  had  in  addition  to  her  own  crew  upward* 
of  one  hundred  supemumirary  officers  and  seamen,  to 
join  the  British  ships  of  war  in  the  East  Indies  ;  also, 
Lieutenant-General  Hislop,  appointed  to  the  com- 
mand of  Bombay,  Major  Walker,  and  Caj)t.  Wood, 
of  his  staff,  abd  Cfapt.  Marshall,  master  and  command- 
er in  the  British  navy,  going  to  the  East  Indies  to 
take  command  of  a  sloup  of  war  there. 

Should  I  attempt  to  do  justice,  by  representa- 
tion, to  the  brave  and  good  conduct  of  all  my  officers 
and  crew,  during  the  action,  I  should  fail  in  the  at- 
tempt ;  therefore,  suffice  it  to  say,  that  the  whole  of 
their  conduct  was  such  as  to  merit  my  highest  enco- 
miums. I  beg  leave  to  recommend  the  officers  particu- 
larly to  the  notice  of  government,  as  also  the  unfortu- 
nate seamen  who  were  wounded,  and  the  families  of 
those  men  who  fell  in  the  action. 

The  great  distance  from  our  own  coast,  and  the 
perfect  wreck  we  made  the  enemy's  frigate,  forbid 
every  idea  of  attempting  to  take  her  to  the  United 
States ;  and  not  considering  it  prudentto  trust  her  in- 
to a  port  of  Brazils,  particularly  St.  Salvadore,  as  you 
wiirpercive  by  the  enclosed  letters,  No.  1.  2.  and  3, 
I  had  no  alternative  but  burning  her,  which  I  did  on 
the  dlst  ult.  after  receiving  all  the  prisoners  and  their 
bag^gage,  which  was  very  tedious  work,  only  having 
one  boat  left  (out  of  eight)  and  not  one  left  on  board 
the  Java. 

On  blowing  up  the  frigate  Java,  I  proceeded  to 
this  place,  where  I  have  landed  all  the  prisoners  on 
their  parole,  to  return  to  England,  and  there  remain 
until  regularly  exchanged,  and  not  serve  in  their  pro- 
fessional capacities  in  any  place  or  in  any  manner 
whatever  agaiusi  the  United  States  of  America,  until 
thee&change  shall  be  effected.  .    > 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir,  with  the  greatest  re- 
spect. W.BAliNBRlUGE. 


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SII9T01IY  OF  TI|E  WAH* 


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Extract  from  Commodore  Wra.  Baii)bri^^e*N  Joufr 
naif  kepi  on  l^ord  the  U.  Statiea  Cons^itutipn. 

*  Tuesday,  Ufc.  ^9*  m2. 

'  At  9  A.  M<  discovered  two  strange  sails  on  the 
.weather  bow.  At  IQ  discover^  ik^  titrangp  sails  to 
he  ship^;  one  of  them  stood  in  for  land  ana  the  other 
9tood  off  shore,  in  a  direction  towards  ns.  At  10,  45 
A.  M.  we  tacked  ship  to  the  northward  and  westward 
;and  stood  for  the  sail  standing  towards  us,  and  at  II 
A>  M*  tacked  to  the  sonlhward  and  eastward,  hauled 
np  the  ma'msail  and  took  in  the  royals.  Atn>30, 
made  the  private  signal  for  the  day,  which  was  not 
Qoawered,  and  then  set  the  mainsail  and  royals  to 
draw  the  strange  sail  o£f  from  the  neutral  coant,  and 
separate  her  from  the  sail  in  company. 

*  W«dne9dai/,  Dec  30. 

*  In  lat  19, 9  S.  long.  38  W.  ten  leagues  from  the 
<Da8t  of  Brazil,  commences  with  clear  weather  aud 
moderate  breezes  from  E.  N.  £.  hoisted  our  ensiga 
and  pendant.  At  1^  minutes  past  meridian,  the  ship 
hoisted  her  colors — an  English  ensign,  having  a  sigr 
nal  Bying  at  her  main. 

'  At  1, 26,  P.  M.  being  auificiently  from  the  land, 
and  finding  the  ship  to  be  au  English  frigate,  took  in 
4he  mainsail  and  royals,  tacked  ship  and  stood;  for  the 
enemy.  At  1, 30,  P.  M.  the  eoei|^*tf)i>re  down  with 
an  intention  of  raking  us,  which  we  avoided  by  wear- 
4(ng.  At  2  P.  M.  the  enemy  being  within  half  a  mile 
of  us,  and  to  windward,  and  haviitg  hauled  down  his 
colors  except  the  union  jack  at  the  mizenmast  head, 
induced  me  to  give  orders  to  the  officer^  of  the  3d  di- 
vision to  fire  a  gun  ahead  of  the  enemy,  to  make  him 
show  his  colors,  which  being  done,  brought  on  a  fire 
liromxisofithewhDlebnoad«ide,  on  which  the  enemy 
hoisted  his  colors,  and  immediately  returned  our  fire. 
A  general  action  with  round  and  grape  then  com- 
menced ;  the  /enemy  keeping  at  a  much  greater  dis- 
tance than  I  wished  ;  but  could  not  bring  him  to  a 
closer  action,  without  exposing  ourselves  to  several 
rakes.    Considerable  manqettvers  were  madeJ>y  bollt 


HfSTORV  OF  THE  WAR. 


315 


vessels  to  rake  und  avoid  b^ing  raked.    The  follovr* 
ing  minutes  were  taken  during  the  action : 

*  At  2,  10,  P.  M.  commenced  the  action  within, 
good  grape  and  canister  distanee,  the  enemy  to  wind- 
ward, but  much  farther  than  I  wished. 

*  At  2, 30,  our  wheel  was  shot  entirely  away, 

'  At  2,  40,  determined  to  close  with  the  enemy,  not- 
withstanding his  raking.  Set  the  fore  and  mainsuil» 
and  luffed  up  close  to  him. 

*  At  2,  dO,  the  enemy's  jib-boom  got  foul  of  our  miz- 
zen  rigging. 

*  At  3,  the  head  ofthe  enemy's  bowsprit  and  jib-' 
boom  shot  away  by  us. 

*  At  3, 5,  shot  away  his  fcre-mast  by  the  board. 

'  At3, 15,  shot  away  his  main-top-mast  just  above 
the  cap. 

*  At  3, 40,  shot  away  the  gaff  and  sparker-boom. 

*  At  3,  55,  shot  away  his  mizen-mast  nearly  by  the 
board. 

*  At  4, 5,  having  silenced  the  fire  of  the  enemy  com- 
pletely, and  his  colors  in  main  rigging  being  down, 
supposed  he  had  struck;  then  hauled  down  the  courses 
to  shoot  ahead  to  repair  our  rigging,  which  was  ex- 
tremely cut ;  leaving  the  enemy  a  complete  wreck  ; 
soon  after  discovered  that  the  enemy's  nag  was  still 
flying.     Hove  too  to  repair  some  of  our  damage. 

'  At  20  minutes  past  4,  the  enemy's  mainmast  went 
nearly  by  the  board. 

*  At  50  minutes  past  4,  wore  ship  and  stood  for  the 
enemy. 

*  At  25  minutes  past  5,  got  very  close  to  the  ene- 
my, in  a  very  effectual  raking  position,  thwart  his 
bows,  and  was  at  the  instance  of  raking  him,  when  he 
most  prudently  struck  his  flag  ;  for  had  he  suffered 
the  broadside  to  have  raked  him,  his  additional  loss 
must  have  been  extremely  great — as  he  laid  an  un- 
manageable wreck  upon  the  water.  After  the  ene- 
my had  struck,  wore  ship  -and  reefed  the  topsails — 
then  hoisted  out  one  ofthe  only  two  remaining  boats 
we  had  left  out  of  eight,. and  sent  Lieut.  Parker,  1st 


mv 


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216 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


%^^ 


of  the  Constitution,  to  take  possession  of  the  enemy^ 
which  proved  to  be  his  Britannic  Majesty's  frigale 
J.ava,  rated  :i8,  but  carried  49  gutis,  and  manned  with 
upwards  of  400  men,  commanded  by  Capt.  Lambert^ 
a  very  distinguished  officer,  who  was  mortaly  wonudv 
ed.  The  action  contmued  from  commencement  to 
Uie  end  of  the  fire,  oue  hour  aitd  55  minutes. 
The  Java  had  her  own  complement  of  men  complete, 
and  upwards  of  one  hundred  supernumeraries,  going 
to  British  ships  of  war  to  the  East  Indies — also  sever- 
al officers,  passengers,  going  out  on  promotion. 
The  force  of  the  enemy  in  number  of  men  at  the  coni' 
mencement  of  the  action  was  no  doubt  considerably 
greater  than  we  have  been  able  to  ascertain,  which  is 
upwards  of  400  men.  The  officers  were  extremely 
cautious  in  discovering  the  number.  By  her  quater- 
bill,  she  had  one  man  niore  stationed  to  each  gun  than 
we  had. 

*  The  Constitution  was  very  much  cut  in  her  sails, 
and  rigging,  and  many  of  her  spars  injured. 

'  At  7  P.  M.  the  boat  returned  with  Lient.  Chads 
the  first  Lieut,  of  the  enemy's  frigate,  and  Lieut.  Gen. 
Hislop,(  appointed  Governor  of  Bombay)  Maj.  Wal- 
ker, and  Capt.  Wood. 

'  Capt.  Lambert  was  too  dangerously  wounded  to 
be  removed  immediately.  The  cutter  returned  on 
board  the  prize  for  the  prisoners,  and  brought  Capt. 
Marshall,  master  and  commandant  in  the  British  na- 
vy, who  was  at  passenger  on  board,  also,  several  other 
naval  officers. 

*  The  Java  was  an  important  ship,  fitted  out  in  the 
completest  manner,  to  carry  Lieut.  Gen.  Histop  and 
stafi' to  Bombay.' 

Letter  above  alluded  to^Jrom  an  officer  of  the  Java. 
Constitution^  Sit.  Salvador ^  Brazils  Jan.  1st  1813. 

*  My  dear  sir — I  am  sorry  inform  you  of  the  un- 
pleasant news  of  Mr.  Gascoine's  death.  Mr.  Gas- 
coineand  myself  were  shipmates  in  the  Marlborough, 
and  first  came  to  sea  togetJier.    He  was  shut  early  in 


\h 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR, 


217 


the  action  by  a  round  shot  in  his  risfht  thigh,  and  died 
Id  a  few  minutes  afterwards  Four  others  of  his  mess- 
mates shared  the  same  fate,  togethiT  with  60  men 
killed  and  170  «vounded.  The  official  account  you 
will  no  doubt  have  read  before  this  reaches  vou  I 
beg  you  will  let  all  his  friends  and  relations  know  of 
his  untimely  fate. 

'  We  were  on  board  the  Java  for  a  passage  to  India 
when  we  fell  in  with  this  frigate. — Two  parcels  I 
have  sent  you  under  good  care,  and  hope  this  will 
reach  yon  safely.* 

Yours  truly,  H.  D.  CORNECK. 

Liettt,  Peter  V.  IVoodf  22d  regiment  foott  > 

Isle  of  Frame  or  Bourbon,  East  Indies. 

LAWRENCE'S  VICTORY. 

Captain  Lawrence  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 
U.  S.  Ship  Hornet,  Holmes'  Hole.  March  19. 1813. 

SIR — I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  of  the  arrival 
at  this  port,  of  the  U.  S.  ship  Hornet,  under  my  com- 
mand, from  a  cruise  of  145  days,  and  to  state  to  you, 
that  after  Cum.  Bainbridge  left  the  coast  of  Brazils, 
(on  the  6tli  of  January  last)  the  Hornet  continued  off 
the  harbor  of  St.  Salvador,  blockading  the  Bonne 
Citoyenne,  until  the  24th,  when  the  Montagu,  74, 
hove  in  sight  and  chased  me  into  the  harbor ;  but 
night  coming  on  I  wore  and  stood  to  the  southward. 
Knowing  that  she  had  left  Rio  Janeiro  for  the  express 
purpose  of  relieving  the  Bonne  Citoyenne,  and  the 
Packet,  (which  1  had   also  blockaded  for  fourteen 
days,  and  obliged  her  to  send  her  mail  to  Rio,  in  a 
Portuguese    smack)  I  judged  it    most  prudent  to 
change  our  cruising  ground,  and  stood  to  the  eastward, 
with  (the  view  of  cruising  oflF  Pernambuco— and  on 
the  4th  day  of  February,  captured  the  English  brig 
Resolution,  from  Rio  Janeiro,   bound  to  Moranham, 
with  coftee,  jerked  beef,  flour,  fustic,  and  butter,  and 
about  25,000  dollars  in  specie.    As  the  brig  sailed 
dull,  and  could  ill  spare  hands  to  man  her,  I  took  out 
the  money  and  set  her  on  tire.     I  then  run  down  the 
28 


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218 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


lit. 


coast  for  Moranham,  and  cruised  there  a  short  time; 
from  thence  ran  off  Surrinani.     Alter  cruising  oft' !  liat 
coast  from  the  5th  to  the  22d  ot  February,  Without 
meeting  a  vessel,  I  stood  for  Dt- marara,  with  an  inten* 
tion  should  1  not  be  fortunate  on  that  station,  to  run 
through  the  West  Indies,  on  my  Way  to  the  United 
States.     But  on  the  morning  ot  the  24th,  I  discover- 
ed a  brig  to  leeward,  to  which  I  gave  chase ;  ran  into 
quarter  less  four,  and  not  having  a  pilot,  was  obliged 
to  haul  off— the  fort  at  the  entrance  of  JDenrarara  riv.  , 
er  at  this  time  bearing  S.  W.  distance  about  2  1-2 
leagues.    Previously  to  giving  up  the  chase,   I  dis* 
covered  a  vessel  at  anchor  without  the  bar  with  £ng. 
lish  colors  flying,  apparently  a  brig  of  war.     In  beat- 
ing round  Corrobano  bauk,   in  order  to   get  at  her, 
at  half  past  three  P.  M.  I  discovered  another  sail 
on  my  weather  quarter,  edging  down  for  us.     At  4, 
20,  she  hoisted  English  colors,  at  which  time  we  dis- 
covered her  to  be  a  large  man  of  war  brig— beat  to 
quarters,  and  cleared  ship  for  action — kept  close  by 
the  wind,  in  order  if  possible  to  get  the  weather  guage. 
At  5, 10,  finding  I  could  weather  the  enemy,  1  hoist- 
ed  American  colors,  and  tacked.    At  6,  20,  in  pas- 
ting each  other,  exchanged  broadsides  within  naif 
pistol  sliot.    OI)serviflg  tfa^  enemy  in  the  act  of  wear- 
ing, I  bore  up,  received  his  starboard  bioadside,  ran 
him  close  on  board  on  the  starboard  quai'ter,  and 
kept  up  such  a  heavy  and  well  directed  fire,  that  in  less 
than  15  minutes  he  surrendered,  being  literally  cut  to 
pieces,  and  hoisted  an  ensign,  union  down,  from  his 
fore  rigging,  as  a  signal  of  distress.     Shortly  ai^er  his 
mainmast  went  by  the  board.      Despatched  Lieut 
Shubrick  on  board,  who  soon  returned  with  her  first 
Lieut,  who  reported  her  to  be  his  Britannic  Majesty's 
late  brig  Peacock,  commanded   by  Capt.  William 
Peake,  who  fell  in  the  latter  part  ot  the  action — that 
a  number  of  her  crew  were  killed  and  wounded,  and 
that  she  was  sinking  fast,  having  then  six  feet  of  wa- 
ter in  her  hold.     Despatched  the  boats   immediately 
for  the  wounded,  and  brought  both  Tessels  to  anchor 


fill  * 


I     I 


HSSTORT  OF  THE  WAR. 


319 


Such  shot  holes  as  could  be  got  nt,  were  then  plug- 
fed  ;  her  guns  thrown  overboard,  and  every  possible 
exertion  used  to  keep  her  afloat,  until  the  prisoners 
could  be  removed,  by  pumping  and  bailing*  but  with- 
out effect,  and  she  unfortunately  sunk  in  tive  and  a 
half  fathoms  water,  carrying  down  13  of  her  crew,  and 
three  of  my  brave  fellows.  Lieut.  Conner,  midship- 
man Cooper,  and  the  remainder  of  the  Hornet's  crew, 
employea  in  removing  the  prisoners,  with  difficulty 
saved  themselves  by  jumping  in  a  boat  that  was  lying 
on  her  bows  as  she  went  down.  Four  men,  of  the 
13  mentioned,  were  so  fortunate  as  to  gain  the  fore- 
top,  and  were  afterwards  taken  off  by  the  boat». 
Previous  to  her  going  down,  four  of  her  men  took  to 
her  stern  boat,  which  had  been  much  damaged  during 
the  action,  who,  I  hope,  reached  the  shore  in  safety ; 
but  from  the  heavy  sea  running  at  the  time,  the  shat- 
teredstate  of  the  boat,  and  the  difficulty  of  laading  on 
the  coast,  I  much  fear  they  were  lost.  I  have  not  been 
able  to  ascertain  from  her  officers  the  exact  number 
killed.  Capt.  Peake  and  four  men  were  found  dead 
on  board.  The  master,  one  midshipman,  carpenter, 
and  Captain's  clerk,  and  29  seamen  were  wounded, 
most  of  them  very  severely,  three  of  whom  died  "i 
their  wounds  after  being  removed,  and  9  drowned. 
Our  loss  was  trifling  in  comparison  ',  being  only  2 , 
killed  and  3  wounded.  Our  rigging  and  sails  were 
much  cut ;  one  shot  through  the  foremast,  and  the 
bowsprit  slightly  injured.  Our  hull  received  little  or 
no  damage.  At  the  time  the  Peacock  was  brought 
to  action,  the  L'Espeigle,  (the  brig  mentioned  above 
as  being  at  anchor)  mounting  16  two  and  thirty  pound 
carronadea,  and  2  long  nines,  lay  about  six  miles  in 
shore,  and  could  plainly  see  the  whole  of  the  action. 
Apprehensive  that  she  would  beat  out  to  the  assistance 
of  her  consort,  such  exertions  were  made  by  my  o6fi- 
cers  and  crew  in  repairing  damages,  &c.  that  by  ixine 
oVIock  the  boats  were  stowed,  a  new  set  ojf  sajls  h^iit, 
and  the  ship  completely  ready  for  action,  At  2  A.  M. 
got  under  way,  and  stood  by  the  wind  to  the  noiih- 
ward  and  westward,  under  easy  sail. 


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HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


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On  mustering'  next  murinng,  found  we  had  277 
souls  on  Ijoiini,  including  tlie  crew  of  the  Auiencan 
brig  tiiHiter,  ol  Poitiand,  taken  a  few  days  beture 
by  tlie  Peaco'k.  And,  as  ue  liad  been  on  two  thirds 
allowance  of  proviMor  >  for  some  time,  and  had  but 
3' 400  gallons  of  uaiei  on  board,  I  reduced  the  allow- 
ance lo  three  pints  a  man,  and  determined  to  make 
the  best  of  my  way  lo  the  Ignited  Hlales. 

The  Peacock  was  deservedly  styled  one  of  the  fin- 
est vessels  of  her  class  in  the  British  navy,  probably 
about  the  tonage  if  the  Hornet.  Her  beam  was 
greater  by  five  inches ;  but  her  extreme  length  not  so 
great  by  four  feet.  She  mounted  16  twenty -four 
pound  carronades,  two  long  nuies,  one  twelve  pound 
carronade  on  her  top-gaiiant  forecastle,  as  a  shifting 
gun,  and  one  4  or  0  pounder,  and  2  swiveis  mounted 
att.  1  tind  by  her  quarter  bill  that  her  crew  consisted 
of  134  men,  tour  of  whom  were  absent  in  a  prize. 

With  the  greatest  respect,  ^c. 
'  Hii    ,»  i*  JAMES  LAWRENCE. 


\^ 


i\ 


P.  S.  At  the  commencement  of  the  action  my  sail- 
ing master  and  seven  men  were  absent  in  a  prize,  and 
Lieut.  Stewart  and  six  men  on  the  sick  list. 


* 

■•».-.  ji'  •■I'lir,  <•:    \,i;  .■.••■.«i    'i>,rn  ^.n.     -m^h' 

CHAPTER  VII.    ' 

.!!' 


CAPTURE  OF  LITTLE  YORK. 

Major-General  Dearborn  to  the  Secretary  ot  War. 
'    Head-quarters,  Yorh,  Capital  of  Upper  Canada, 

April  2Slh,  1813. 
Sir-  After  a  detention  of  some  days  by  adverse 
winds,  we  arrived  at  this  place  yesterday  morning, 
and  at  8  o'clock  commenced  landing  the  troops  about 
3  miles  westward  from  the  town,  and  one  and  a  half 
from  the  enemy's  works.  The  wind  was  high  and 
in  an  unfavorable  direction  for  the  boats,  which  pre- 
vented the  lauding  of  the  troops  at  a  clear  field,  the 


V,.V/;:  j; 


HISTORY  OF  TBE  WAR. 


231 


,,  11 


scite  of  the  ancient  French  fort  Tarento.  It  prevent- 
ed  aho  many  of  the  armed  veMHeU  iVom  takinjip  posi- 
tion!*, which  would  have  most  etfeclualiy  covered  our 
landuig — out  every  thing  that  coutd  be  done  was  ef- 
fected. .     .  > . 

The  Riflemen  under  Major  Forsyth  first  landed,  un- 
der a  heavy  fire  from  Indians  and  other  troops.  Gen. 
Sheaife  comm<uided  in  person.  He  had  collected 
his  whole  force  in  the  woods  near  the  point  where  the 
wind  compelled  our  troops  to  land.  His  force  con- 
sisted of  700  rejj^ulars  and  militia,  and  100  Indians. 
Major  Forsyth  was  supported  as  promptly  as  possible; 
but  the  content  was  sharp  and  severe  for  nearly  half  an 
hour,  &nd  the  enemy  were  repulsed  by  a  number  far 
inferior  to  theirs.  As  soon  as  Gen.  Pike  landed  with 
7  or  8(J0  men,  and  the  remainder  of  the  troops  were 
pushing^  for  the  shore,  the  enemy  retreated  to  their 
works.  Our  troops  were  now  formed  on  the  ground 
originaly  intended  for  their  landing,  advanced  through 
a  thick  wood,  and  atler  cairying  one  battery  by  as- 
sault, were  moving  on  in  columns  towards  the  main 
work  :  when  in  si\ty  rods  of  this,  a  tremendous  explo- 
sion took  place  from  a  magazine  previously  prepared, 
and  which  threw  out  such  immense  quantities  of  stone 
as  most. seriously  to  injure  our  troops.  I  have  not  yet 
been  able  to  collect  the  returns  of  the  killed  and  woun- 
ded ;  but  our  loss  will,  I  fear,  exceed  100  ;  and 
among  these  1  have  to  lament  the  loss  of  that  brave 
and  excellent  ofiicer  Brig.  Gen.  Pike,  who  received 
a  contusion  from  a  large  stone,  which  terminated  his 
valuable  life  within  a  few  hours.  His  loss  will  be  se- 
verely felt. 

Previously  to  this  explosion  the  enemy  had  retired 
into  the  town,  excepting  a  party  of  regulars,  to  the 
number  of  40,  who  did  not  escape  the  effects  of  the 
shock,  and  were  destroyed. 

General  Sheaife  moved  off  with  the  :egular  troops, 
and  left  directions  with  the  commanding  office''  of  the 
militia  to  make  the  best  terms  he  could.    In  the  toean 


Jii 


I  ■  ,1  I 


i  !l 


I  p 


I  I 


iin 


UUTORT  OF  TRV  WAS. 


.  1    li: 


.11 


!    i 


\\l\%\ 


11  li 


lime  all  further  resistance  on  the  part  of  the  enedoy 
eeaaad,  and  the  outlines  of  a  oapitttlalion  were  agreed 
open. 

As  soon  as  I  learned  that  Gen.  Pike  bad  been 
wounded,  I  went  on  shore.  To  the  Gen.  I  had  lieen 
induced  to  confide  the  immediate  attack,  from  a 
knowledge  that  it  was  his  wish,  and  that  he  would 
have  felt  mortified  had  it  not  been  given  to  him. 

£verv  movement  was  under  my  view.  The  troops 
behavea  with  great  firmness,  and  deserve  much  ap- 
plause, particularly  those  first  ei^raged*  and  under 
circumstances  which  would  have  tri>ed  the  steadiness 
of  veterans. 

Oar  loss  in  the  morning  and  in  carrying  the  first 
battery  was  not  great,  perhaps  40  or  50  killed  and 
wounded,  aind  of  them  a  fall  proportion  of  o£ficera. 

Notwithstanding  the  enemy's  advantage  in  position 
and  numbi.'rs  in  the  coimnencement  ef  the  action, 
their  kws  was  greater  than  oars,  especially  in  officersi. 
It  was  with  great  exei*!  tin  tiiat  the  small  vessels  of 
the  fleet  conld  work  into  the  harbor  against  a  gale  of 
wind,  bat  as  soon  as  they  got  into  a  proper  position, 
a  tremendous  cannonade  opened  upon  the  enemy's 
batteries,  and  was  kept  «p  against  them,  ttutil  they 
were  carried  or  blown  up,  and  had^  no  doubt,  a  pow*> 
erful  effect  upon  the  enemy. 

Unfortunately  the  enemy's  armed  ship  Prince  Re- 
gent, left  this  place  for  Kingston  a  few  days  before 
we  arrived.  A  large  ship  on  the  stocks  nearly  plaoftk- 
ed  up,  and  much  naval  stores,  were  aet  fire  to  by  the 
«nemy  soon  after  the  explosion  of  tAie  magazine.  A 
considerable  quantity  of  military  stores  andpmviaions 
remain,  but  no  vessels  fit  for  use. 

We  have  not  the  means  of  transporting  the  plison- 
ers,  and  must  of  coarse  leave  them  on  parole. 

I  hope  we  shall  so  far  comj^ete  what  is  necessary 
•to  be  done  here,  as  to  be  able  to  sail  to-morrow  for 
Niagara,  whither  I  send  this  by  a  smalt  vessel,  with 
nolace  to  Gen.  Lewis  of  our  approach. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

HENKY  DEARBORN. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


8S3 


Commodore  Chaunoey  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 
v.  S.  Ship  Madison,  off  York,  April  28«  1813. 
SIR — Agreeably  to  your  instruclions  aod  arrange- 
ments made  with  Major-General  Dearborn,  I  tookoa 
hoard  of  the  squadron  under  my  command  the  Gen. 
and  suite,  and  about  170U  troops,  and  left  Sacket's 
Harbor  on  Ihe  25lh  inst.-for  this  place.  We  arrived 
here  yesterday  morning  and  took  a  position  about  one 
mile  to  the  south  and  westward  of  the  enemy's  prin- 
cipal fort,  and  as  near  the  shore  as  we  could  with 
safety  to  the  vessels.  The  place  fixed  upon  by  the 
Major-General  and  myself  for  landing  the  troops, 
was  the  scite  of  the  old  French  fort  Tarento. 

The  debarkation  commenced    about  8  o'clock, 
A>  M.  and   was  completed   about  10.     The  wind 
blowing  heavy  from   the  eastward,  tlie  boats  fell  to 
leeward  of  the  position  fixed  upon,  and  were  in  con- 
sequence exposed  to  a  galling  fire  from  theenemy,  who 
had  taken  a  position  in  a  thick  wood  near  where  the 
first  troops  landed  -,  however,  the  cool  intrepidity  of 
the  officers  and  men  overcame  every  obstacle.    Their 
attadiL  upon  the  enemy  was  so  vigorous,  that  he  fled 
in  every  direction,  leaving  a  great  many  of  his  killed 
and  wounded  upon  the  field.    As  soon  as  the  troops 
were  landed,  I  directed  the  schooners  to  take  a  posi- 
tion near  the  forts,  in  order  that  the  attack  on  them 
by  the  army  and  navy  might  be  simultaneous.    The 
schooners  were  obliged  to  beat  up  to  their  position, 
which  they  did  in  a  very  handsome  order,  under  a 
very  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  took 
a  position  within  about  600  yards  v)f  their  principal 
fort,  and  opened  a  heavy  cannonade  upon  the  enemy 
which  did  great  execution,  and  very  much  contribut- 
ed to  their  firtal  destruction.    The  troops,  as  soon  as 
landed,  were  formed  under  the  immediate  orders  of 
Brig.  Gen.  Pike,  who  led  in  a  most  gallant  manner 
the  attack  upon  the  forts,  and  after  having  carried  two 
redoubts  in  their  approach  to  the  principal  work, 
(the  enemy  having  previously  laid  a  train)  blew  up 
his  magazine,  which  in  its  eflects  upon  our  Uoops  w»s 


'■Ji 


•".■  r,i 


224 


HISTORY  OP  THE  WAR. 


''f 


'  .'llr- 


Si 


dreadful,  havinfjf  killed  nnd  wounded  a  great  many, 
and  .imongst  the  former,  the  ever  to  be  lamented 
Brig.  Genernl  Pike,  who  fell  at  the  head  of  his  col. 
umn  by  a  contusion  received  by  a  heavy  stone  from 
the  magazine.  His  death  at  this  time  in  much  to  he 
regretted,  as  he  had  the  perfect  confidence  of  the 
Major-General;  and  his  kiT^wn  activity,  zeal,  and 
experience,  make  his  Iohs  a  national  one. 

In  cunsec^uence  of  the  fall  of  General  Pike,  the 
command  ot  the  troops  devolved  for  a  time  upon  Cul. 
Pierce,  who  soon  after  took  possession  of  the  town. 
At  about  2  P.  M.  the  American  flag  was  substituted 
for  the  British,  and  at  abc  )'  4,  our  troops  were  in 
quiet  possession  of  the  town.  As  soon  as  Gen.  Dear- 
born leahit  the  situation  of  Gen.  Pike,  he  landed  and 
assumed  the  command.  1  have  the  honor  of  enclos- 
ing a  copy  of  the  capitulation  which  was  entered  into, 
and  approved  by  Gen.  Dearborn  and  mystlf. 

The  enemy  set  fire  to  some  of  his  principal  stores, 
containing  large  quantities  of  naval  and  military  stores, 
as  well  as  a  large  ship  upon  the  slocks  nearly  finished 
— the  only  vessel  found  here  is  the  Duke  ot  Glouces- 
ter, undergoing  repairs — the  Prince  Regent  lefl  here 
on  the  24th  for  Kingston.  We  have  not  yet  had  a 
return  made  of  the  naval  and  military  stores,  conse- 
quently can  form  no  correct  idea  of  the  quantity,  but 
have  made  arrangements  to  have  all  taken  on  board 
that  we  can  receive — the  rest  will  be  destroyed. 

1  have  to  regret  the  death  of  midshipmen  Thomp- 
son and  Rrttfiel.l,  and  ^c>veral  seamen  killed — the  ex- 
act number  I  do  not  know,  as  the  returns  from  the 
dift'erent  vessels  have  not  yet  been  received. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUi\CEY. 

TERMS  OF  CAPITULATION, 

Entered  into  on  the  27lh  of  April  i81ii,  for  the  sur- 
render of  the  town  of  York,  in  Upper  Canada,  to 
the  army  and  navy  of  the  United  States,  under  the 
command  of  Major-Gen.  Dearborn  and  Comiuo- 
(lore  Chauncey : 


tnsTOllY  OF  tHB  WAMt 


83& 


fhxA  the  troops,  re{(tjlar  Riid  tnilitiit,  at  this  post, 
;ind  the  navftl  onicera  and  seamen,  shall  be  surrender- 
ed prisoners  of  war.  The  troops,  regular  and  militia^ 
sre  to  ground  their  arms  immediately  on  parade,  and 
the  naval  oflicers  and  seamen  be  immediately  8Urren« 
dered. 

That  all  public  stolres,  rfaVal  and  military  shall  b« 
immediately  given  up  to  the  commanding  officers  of 
the  nrmy  and  navy  of  the  United  States. — That  aU 

{ffivnte  property  shall  he  guaranteed  to  the  citi'iiens  of 
he  town  of  York. 

I'hat  all  papers  belonging  to  the  civil  officers  shall 
be  retained  by  them  -  that  such  surgeons  as  may  be 
procured  to  attend  the  wounded  of  the  British  regulars 
and  Canadian  militia  shall  not  be  considered  prison- 
ers of  war. 

That  1  Lieut.  Golonel,  1  Major,  13  Captains,  9 
Lieutenants,  11  £nsigns,  I  Quarter-master,  1  deputy 
Adjutant-General,  10  Serjeants,  4  corporals,  and  204 
rank  and  tile,  of  the  militia. — Of  the  field  train  de- 
partment 1,  of  the  provincial  navy  21,  of  his  Majesty's 
troops  2,  and  of  iiu  Royal  artillery  1  bombardier 
and  3  gunners,  shall  be  surrendered  as  prisoners  of 
tvar,  and  accounted  for  in  the  exchange  of  prisoners 
between  the  United  States  and  Great-Britain. 
G.  S.  MITCHELL,  Lt.  Col.  3d  A.  U.  8. 
SAMUEL  S.  CONINER,  Maj  and  A.  D.  C.  to 

Ms«j.  Gen.  Dearborn. 
WILLIAM  KING,  Maj.  U.  S.  Infantry. 
JESSE  D.  ELLIOT,  Lieut.  U.  S.  JNavy. 
W.  CHEWITT,  Lt.  Col.  com.  3d  Reg.  Y.  militia. 
W.  ALLAN,  Maj.  3d  Reg.  York  mditia. 
F.  GAURREAU,  Lieut.  M.  Dpt. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Major-General  Dearborn 
to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Niagara,  May  3,  1813. 
York  was  one  immense  magazine,  which  supplied 
Niagara,  Detroit,  and  foi  t  George.     The  troops  were 
halted  a  few  moments  to  bring  up  the  heavy  artillery 
29 


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J  ( 


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2/20 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


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to  play  on  the  block  house,  when  Gen.  Sheafie  des' 
pairing  of  holding  the  town,  ordered  fire  to  be  put  to 
the  principal  magazine,  in  which  was  deposited  500 
barrels  of  powder,  and  an  immense  quantity  of  shells 
and  shot.  The  explosion  was  tremendous,  and  rak- 
ed our  column  from  front  to  rear  with  such  effect  that 
it  killed  52,  and  wounded  180  of  our  men,  among  the 
latter  was  Brig.  Gen.  Pike,  who  died  of  his  wounds 
shortly  after.  Notwithstanding  this  calamity,  and 
the  discomfiture  that  might  be  expected  to  follow  it, 
the  troops  gave  three  cheers^  instantly  formed,  and 
marchtd  on  for  the  tonm.  Notwithstanding  the  im- 
mense amount  destroyed  by  them,  we  found  more 
public  property  than  our  vessels  could  bring  away. 
Gen.  Sheafie's  baggage  and  papers  fell  into  my  hands; 
they  are  a  valuable  acquisition.  A  FCALP  was 
found  in  the  Executive  and  Legislative  Council 
Chamber,  suspended  near  the  h^peaker^s  chair.  A 
statement  of  our  loss,  as  well  as  that  of  the  enemy  is 
subjoined. 

AMERICAN  LOSS. 

Killed  in  battle  14 — do. .  by  the  explosion  52 — 
total  66. 

Wounded  in  battle  23 — do.  by  the  explosion  180 

— ^total  203 total  killed  and  wounded  269. 

BRITISH  LOSS. 

Killed  in  battle  75 — do.  by  their  explosion  40 — 
total  115. 

Wounded  in  battle  62 — do.  by  their  explosion  23— 
total  85. 

Prisoners,  militia  700 — do.  regulars  50 — total  750 
..  ■     total  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  930. 

Brigadier  Gen.  Winchester,  to  the  Secretary  at  War. 
Fort  George,  Upper  Canada,  Feb.  11, 1813. 
SIR — On  the  23d  ultimo,  I  had  the  honor  of  coro- 
juunicating  to  your  excellency  the  result  of  the  action 
at  Frenchtown  on  the  river  Kaisin,  of  the  preceding 
day.  I  have  it  now  in  my  power  to  transmit  to  you  a 
more  detailed  account  of  that  transaction,  togetlier 


HISTORY  OP  THE  WAR. 


227 


ilosion  40— 
)losion  23 — 


with  a  more  minute  statement  of  onr  loss.  A  list  of 
the  kiUed,  and  wounded,  slnd  missing,  is  herewith  en- 
closed. The  attack  upon  our  camp  was  commenced 
about  6  o'clock  in  the  morning,  by  a  heavy  fire  of- 
small  anns,  together  wuh  the  discharge  of  0  pieces  of 
artillery,  directed  immediately  at  our  lines,  and  the 
bouses  and  temporary  breatwork,  from  behind  which 
a  portion  of  our  troops  were  engaged  with  the  enenfy. 
Early  in  the  action  a  charge  was  made  by  the  assail- 
ants; but  the  iire  from  our  lines  was  so  intense  that 
they  were  quickly  compelled  to  retire.  ! 

In  this  charge  the  41st  regiment  of  British  regulars 
principally  suftered,  their  loss  during  the  charge  and 
in  the  subsequent  engagement,  being  very  considera- 
ble. Out  of  three  hundred  of  these  troops  about  30 
fell  dead  upon  the  field,  and  90  or  100  wounded  were 
removed  from  the  ground. 

It  is  impossible  to  state  with  any  degree  of  accuracy, 
the  number  of  Canadian  militia  and  Indians  which 
were  killed  or  wounded  during  the  engagement;  it 
could,  however  not  have  been  small,  having  received 
forthree  or  four  hours  the  constant  fire  of  the  musque- 
(ry  and  riflemen,  from  the  breast-work  uhder  which 
they  were  formed.  The  action  had  endnred  about  a 
quarter  of  an  hour,  when  the  right  division  of  our 
U'oops,  who  were  less  secured  by  a  breast-work,  and 
exposed  to  a  heavy  fire  from  a  body  of  Indians  and 
militia,  who  had  possessed  themselves  of  some  out- 
houses within  their  reach,  were  obliged  to  retreat 
from  their  lines  in  the  encampment,  for  the  purpose  of 
occupying  ground  less  exposed.  This  retreat  being 
discovered  oy  the  enemy,  the  whole  Indian  force,  to- 
gether with  a  portion  of  the  militia,  bore  down  upon 
them  with  redoubled  violence,  and  prevented,  by  their 
superiority  of  numbers  and  the  severity  of  then-  fire, 
the  practicability  of  ever  again  forming  this  |)ortion  of 
our  troops  in  order  of  battle.  It  was  from  this  divi- 
sion that  our  principal  loss  was  sustained,  tew  indeed 
having  escaped.  Every  eflbrt  in  vain  was  employed 
to  form  them  in  some  order  of  action,  as  aftbrding  the 


im 


I J 


Ml   !! 


i 


I  it 


111'! 


lly 


228 


HISKTORY  OF  THE  WAR.' 


ip:^i 


m 


t ,. 


0  I 


Jill 


only  meftns  of  either  repellingthe  pursuers  or  regains 
iiig  the  tem|>orHi  V  breast-vtork  from  behind  which 
ihe  reinairiing  part  of  our  troops  still  gallantly  defend*! 
ed  theinselvKs ;  but  every  exertion  was  in  vain  em? 
ployed»  an<i  the  very  few  who  survived  of  the  parsty  sues 
reiiiiiTe«i  as  pnsonerii  to  the  enemy. 

Our  loss  in  tht^  action  will  be  ascertained  by  the  list 
herewith  enclosed,     ii^niong  the  filled,  I  l^ave  to  la- 
ment several  brave  and  valuable  officers,  some  of 
whom  had  distinguished  themselves  in  the  action  of 
the  evening  of  the  ]8th,  and  fell  on  th^  22d  while  un- 
availingly  engaged  in  rallying  the  troops,  who  re- 
treated in  disorder  from  the  lines.     Among  those,  the 
loss  of  Gul.  John  Allen,  and  M»j.  Elijah  Mc  Cianna* 
han,  is  to  be  particularly  regretted,  as  also  Capt.  John 
H*  Woolfolk,  one  of  my  aids-de-camp ;  their  exeitioiia 
were  unsuocessiul,  not wthslandiiig every  possibleeX'? 
ertion  was  employed  ;  they  bravely  fell  in  discharge 
of  their  respective  duties      Winle  1  regret  the  fate  of 
thone  who  bir^v^ly  fell  upon  this  occasion,  I  should  do 
injustice  to  pass  pver,  without  notice,  the  few  parta«» 
kers  in  their  danger,  who  were  fortunate  to  survive 
them.     To  Lieut.  Col.   William   Lewis,   who  com-t 
manded  on  the  IWth,  and  to  Capt    Ji>hn  Overton,  my 
aid-de-pamp,  who  i^ttended   my  person  on  the  field, 
iny  thanks  are  particularly  due,  for  iheir  prompt  and 
willing  exertion,  during  every   period  of  the  conflict. 
To  the  officers  and  soldiers  who   bravely  maintained 
their  ground  in  the  tempo^t^ry  fortifications,  too  much 
i<9  ise  cannot  be  bestowed.  Assailed  by  numbers,  greats 
ly  superior,   suported    by    six  pieces  of    aitillery, 
wey  guUantly  diefended  tb'.  m^eiyes  with  their  small 
arms  alone,  tor  near  four  hours  of  constant  battle. 
JNo  troops  ev^r  behaved  with  more  cool  and  determiu« 
ed  bravery  ;  from  the  commanding-officer  down  Iq 
the  private  soldier,  there  was  scarce  a  single  abandon* 
ment  of  duty ;  and  at  the  last  when  their  am^iunition 
was  nearly  exhausted,  and  surrounded  by  the  enemy, 
greatly  superior  in  number  and  the  means  of  war^sur^ 
reodered  with  a  reluctance  rarely  to  be  tound  upon 


i'l 


will  I  «i 

'■"'if:  I 


BISTOBY  aw  THV  WAB. 


2ea 


limilar  occasions.  TM  oii$c6rs  comifianding  i|i  thfe 
bre^t-work  and  whotleNerve  p»rtipul«ir  noticp,  if dis« 
tinctioD  could  easily  be  di'^wn,  ivere  Mtijs.  3^njamii| 
Graves  and  George  Madison  ',  Cnpts.  Hightowert 
Hart,  Williams,  C!hu|ier,  Sebre^,  Hiainilton.  IC^^Ieby, 
!^ledNoe,  Ballard,  and  Jamesi ;  Brigade-jVf  aj.  James 
Garrard  ;  Adjt.  John  M^'  Clailt>»  <>«d  i^uarter-master 
Pollard  l^een  ;  tliey  defended  themseivei  to  the  last, 
with  great  gallantry,  and  nierit  my  warmest  gratitude* 
9s  well  as  the  highest  praise  of  their  country. 

Wit^h  sentiiqenN  Qf  thi^  highest  respect,  I  am»  sir* 
your  obediqt  servant*  J.  WII^CUKisTJBIR. 

17  lifgf.  U.  ^.  la/mvy 

lllill^d  «a4  Missing  ]iaO,^pnsoq^rs,  Q4,-^total  184. 

^entwiky  Volunteer  MHHw. 

?[ill^d  and   ]yiissiqg'-r^277'r^FrisQners--^52.'^tota1, 
2IH>f  (he ii)issing  ^  arrived  at  Gen.  Harrison's  CaiQp 
9fS^,    Tom  ^iUedi»  wounde^Tf  and  M\i»H>ngt  ^^^> 

The  force  of  the  ^nemy  was  about  )50Q,-«-^they  lo^t 
]|50  killed,  and  158  wounded ;  among  th^  l!^tter»  weriEi 
Col.  Prpcter,  and  Xa^vS-  Col.  St  Q^orge. 

MASSAqBB  QF  GISN.  WINCflBSTBB^S  4B9{Y. 

^ThefolUnv.iwf  ^wrative  of'tftf  Mofsacre  at  French-^ 

tomn^  aj\^r  Gen.  Winqfie^ter's  fiejeat,  was  drawn  up 

ky  Lieu(,  Baker  of  the  ilii  liegt.  (/.  &  Jfy'untry.] 

So  much  has  ht^en  said  t^hout  the  Indian  massacre^ 

t(X  Fi^ci^chtqwn  and  its  peighhorhopd,  that  something 

CircuiQstilOlial  from  one  who  had  an  opportunity  of 

i^cquiring  iuformation  oq  the  subject  may  not  be  un^ 

9cc^ptahle  \f>  the  pahhc,    |  therefore  submit  the  fol-i 

lowing  narrative. 

On  the  morning  oi  the  32d  of  January,  I  was 
captured  by  the  Indians  about  9  o'clock,  with  anoth* 
er  officer  and  about  forty  men.  Closely  pursued  by 
an  overwhelming  force  of  Indians,  we  were  endeav^ 
ormg  to  effect  our  escape,  and  had  attained  the  dis^ 
tance  of  aiiout  three  miles  from  Frencbtown,  when  an 
ofier  of  quarter  was  made  us  by  an  Indian  chief. 
Many    Indian    chills  on  horseback  being  in  oiyr 


imI 


t    t 

iu 

.  I 

li . 

1  ' 

li 

i 

■    1 

^ 

'    ll 


*i'      > 


(  ' 


» 


230 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR.    > 


^m 


w 


i|l.ai)! 


rear,  tomahawking  the  hindmost,  and  withal  the  men 
being  much  wearied  with  running  through  tiie 
deep  snow,  we  concluded  it  best  to  accept  the  cFii'd^s 
proposition.  Accordingly  we  assembled  aronndhim, 
and  gave  up  the  few  remaining  arms  that  were  still 
retained  in  the  flight.  In  a  few  minutes  the  Indians 
on  foot  came  up,  and  notwithstanding  the  chief  Ap- 
peared solicitous  to  save,  massacred  about  half  onr 
number.  I  was  led  back  towards  the  river  along  the 
road  we  had  retreated  in.  The  dead  bodies  of  my 
fellow  comrades,  scalped,  tomahawked,  and  stripped, 
presented  a  most  horrid  spectacle  to  my  view.  I  was 
at  length  taken  to  a  fire  near  Col.  I^roctor,  where  I 
remained  till  our  army  capitulated,  and  marched  by 
me  towards  Maiden.  Major  Madison,*  as  he  was 
marching  past,  demanded  me  of  the  British  officer 
commanding  the  guard,  as  an  American  officer;  but 
the  noble  Briton  replied  with  a  sneer,  *  You  have  too 
many  officers,'  and  ordered  the  column  to  advance 
which  had  made  a  partial  halt.  I  was  taken  to  San- 
dy creek,  about  three  miles  off,  on  Hull's  road,  and 
there  kept  during  the  night  with  about  20  other  pris- 
oners. Next  morning  my  master  left  me  in  charge 
of  the  old  Indian,  and  with  the  exception  of  20  or  30, 
all  the  Indians  in  the  camp  went  back  towards  the 
river  Raisin.  They  returned  about  2  o'clock,  F.  M. 
bringfing  a  number  of  fresh  i  Mps  and  about  30  pris- 
oners, many  of  whom  were  wounded,  though  with  a 
single  exception,  none  dangerously.  I  was  told  by 
the  prisoners  that  the  Indians  had  that  morning  re- 
turned to  the  village,  and  massacred  Capt.  Hickman 
and  a  great  many  others,  and  that  they  were  fearful 

«  After  the  surrender  oT  onr  troopt  to  the  British,  at  the'  river 
Raisin,  the  Indians,  in  violation  of  the  articles  vf  capitulation, 
crowded  among  them,  and  were  plundering  their  properly — when 
the  heroic  Madison  desired  Col.  Proctor  to  keep  tbem  oflT: — '  the 
Indians  are  fierce  and  unmanageable,  (said  Proctor)  it  cannr,t  be 
dene.*  Madison  cooly  re\  >lied, '  if  you  amnot  tUsperae  thenty  I  will' 
—the  men  were  ordered  >.o  shoulder  their  arms,  ,^nd  Proctor  fear- 
ing that '  charge  bayonet'  would  follow,  waved  bib  sword,  and  the 
ll^ians  instantly  withdrew.  „ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAB* 


231 


Maj.  Graves  and  Cupt.  Hart  were  of  the  number; 
that.some  of  the  wounded  had  been  scalped  aUveand 
burned  in  the  houses.  I  had  scarcely  been  told  these 
things,  when  a  volunteer  who  was  standing  by  my 
ijide,  was  knocked  down,  scalped,  and  afterwards 
tomahawked.  Three  others  were  successively  treat- 
ed in  the  same  manner. 

Seven  days  afteirwards,  I  was  sold  in  Detroit  to 
some  American  gentlemen,  and  the  next  day  sent 
over  to  Sandwich,  where  I  remained  nearly  three 
weeks.  In  this  time  I  had  an  opportunity  of  making 
enquiry  about  the  massacres,  and  found  that  60  had 
been  massacred  subsequent  to  the  day  of  battle,  and 
two  officers  the  day  on  which  the  battle  was  fought, 
after  they  had  surrendered.  Of  the  first  were  Capt. 
N.  G.  S.  Hart  of  Lexington,  Capt.  Paschal  Hickman 
of  Franklin,  John  H.  Woolfolk,  Esq.  thetieneraFs 
Secretary ;  and  of  the  latter  Capt.  Virgil  IVrCracken 
of  Woodford,  and  Ensign  Levi  Wells,  son  of  Col. 
Wells  of  the  U.  S.  Infantry.  Judge  Wood  ward  has 
ascertained  several  instances  of  great  barbarity  exer- 
cised on  our  prisoners,  which  will  appear  as  soon  as 
that  truly  philantropic  and  patriotic  gentleman  returns 
to  his  own  country. — Mnssacres  were  not  only  com- 
mitted on  the  22d  and  23cl,  but  also  on  the  24th,  2oth, 
and  26th,  and  even  tluvse  weeks  afterwards  fresh 
scalps  were  brought  into  Maiden. 

Should  this  relation  be  doubted,  many  living  wit- 
nesses of  high  standing  for  probity,  may  be  found  to 
attest  them. 

Expedition  against  the  Indians — Maj.  Gen.  Sam- 
uel Hopkins,  on  the  lUhof  Nov.  1812,  marched 
with  1000  men  under  his  conuuand,  from  fort  Harri- 
son, on  an  expedition  to  the  Fruphets  town  for  the 
purpose  of  destroying  their  village,  provisions,  &o. 
On  the  morning  of  the  lOtli,  a  detachment  of  UOO 
men  destroyed  a  town,  and  a  threat  quantity  of  corn, 
belonging  to  the  Winebago  tribe,  lying  on  the  Ponce 


'\ 


•  \\ 


'■S 


!  if  ,   , 


ill 

Ml 

1 

■I 

.  '    ■ 

A 

1    i'^ 

J 

'       ;f 

i 

iBi^i}^y. 


^3^ 


IllStOR^^  0I»'  THii:  \¥AlXi 


njll 


ill' 


Passu  creek,  one  mile  ffom  the  Wabasb,  and  fouft 
from  the  Prophets  town.  On  the  20th,  2lKt.  and-28d 
they  destroyed)  the  Prophets  toiivn  and  a  Kickapoo^ 
village,  on  the  op[)osite  side  of  the  river,  consisting  of 
upwards  of  200  houses^  a  considerable  <|[uantity  of 
com,  8cc« 

On  the  21st  a  large  body  of  Indians  ivete  discovered 
ab«>ut  seven  miles  from  the  tdwnt  by  a  small  party, 
livhothelndiaris  fired  on,  and  killed  one  man;  tlie 
next  day  Lseut.  Cuis.  Milter,  and  Wilcox,  anxious 
to  bury  their  comrade,  as  well  as  gain  a  more  com* 

filete  knowledge  of  the  situation^  and  strength  of  the 
ndiunS)  set  out  with  a  palrty  of  horsmen,  consisting  of 
about  sixty  ;  the  Indians  hud  placed  themselves  in  a 
strong  place,  on  a  ridge  of  land,  running  between  two 
large  and  rappid  creeks,  which  conld  not  be  asicended 
only  by  a  steep  ravine,''H>ur  party  returned,  after  a 
smart  skirmish,  in  which  we  lost,  in  killed^  wounded^ 
and  missing,  18  tD&n.  On  th^  24th,  the  main  body  of 
the  army  stai  ted  ibr  the  pnpose  of  destroying  the  eiie>» 
my  in  their  strong  hold  ;  bat  when  they  arrived  at  the 
spot,  they  found  they  bad  fled,  previous  to  the  storm 
of  snow,  which  felt  very  deep,  on  the  23d  which  pre- 
vented any  further  pursuit. 

Briff.  GfA.  Smtftk.-^lu  Notember  1812^  General 
Smyth  issiied  several  addresses  to  the  inhabitants  on 
the  frontic  rs,  for  the  purpoi«  of  raising  volunteers,  to 
cross  into  Canada  opposite  Ntagara.«^Including  the 
regular  army  under  his  command,  and  the  volunteers 
that  repaired  to  his  camp^^  he  had,  on  the  27th  Nov. 
4000  meri.  Two  partietr  were  sent  across  the  river 
to  destroy  a  bridge  below  fort  Erie,  and  capture  and 
spike  the  cunnon  in  the<  batteries,  and  some  pieces  of 
light  artillei  y.  Alter  accomplishing  their  object,  the 
parties  separated  by  misapprehension  ;  Lieut.  Angus, 
the  seamen,  and  a  partxif  the  troops  returned  with  all 
the  boats,  while  CaptK.  King,  Morgan,  Sproul,  and 
Houston,  with  about  00  men,  remained.  The  party 
thus  reduced,  took  and  rendered  unserviceable  two  of 


ii 


ore  com* 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


233 


the' enemies*  batteries,  captured  34  prinoners,  and  2 
boats,  in  which  Capt.  King  sent  hii  prisoners,  his  owii 
officers,  and  half  of  his  men  across,  remaining^  him- 
self with  30  men,  refusing  to  abandon  them 

On  the  30th  Nov.  Gen.  Smyth  again  attempted  to 
cross,  with  3000  men,  but  by  some  misunderstanding 
only  a  few  would,  or  could  be  made  to  embark. 
The  killed  in  both  these  attempts  amounted  to  about 
20 — the  wounded  30 — and  prisoners  31.  The  ene- 
my lost  10  killed — 17  wounded,  and  34  prisoner, 
besides  an  Indian  chief. 


ill 


J.  ! 


Capt.  Forsyth,  commandant  at  Ogdensburg,  cross- 
ed over  to  Elizabethtown  on  the  7th  of  February, 
1813,  with  about  200  volunteers  from  the  militia  and 
citizens,  where  they  surprised  the  guard,  took  42  pris- 
oners, with  1  Major,  3  Captains,  2  Lieutenants,  and 
120  muskets,  20  rifles,  two  casks  of  fixed  ammunition, 
and  considerable  other  public  property,  which  was 
eSecied  without  the  loss  of  a  man. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


:v: 


Gen.  Harrison  to  the  Secretary  at  War, 
Head  Quarters,  Lower  Sandmky,  May  13,  1813. 

SIR — Having  ascertained  that  the  enemy  (Indians 
as  well  as  British)  had  entirely  abandoned  the  neigh- 
borhood of  the  Rapids,  I  left  the  command  of  camp 
Meigs  with  Gen.  Clay  and  came  here  last  night.  It  is 
with  the  greatest  satisfaction,  I  inform  you,  sir,  that  I 
havevevery  reason  to  believe,  that  the  loss  of  the  Ken- 
tacky  troops  in  killecj^'^'*  ^^^  north  side  of  the  river 
•  Stf 


I 


ri 


234 


HISTORY  OF  TBB  WAR. 


^It^ 


does  not  exceed  fifty.    On  the    10th  and  lllh  intt.  1 
caused  the  ground  which  was  the  scene  of  the  action 
and  its  environs  to  be  carefully  examined,  and  aAer 
the  most  diligent  search  45   bodies  only  of  our  men 
ivere  discovered — among  them  was   the  leader  of 
the  detachment,  Col.  Duiiley.    No  other  officer  of  note 
fell  in  the  action^     I  have  strong  reason  to  believe 
that  a  considerable  number  of  the  Kentuckians  eject- 
ed their   retreat  up   the     river  to    fort  WinchrUer. 
Ci?n.  Procter  did  not  furnish  me  with  a  return  c^  the 
prisoners  in  his  possession,  although  repeatedly  prom^^ 
ised.     His  retreat  was  as  precipitate  as  it  could  pro« 
perly  be,  leaving  a  number  of  cannon  ball,  a  new  ele- 
gant sling-carriage  for  cannon,  and  other  valuable  ar- 
ticles.   The  night  before  his  departure  two  persons 
that  were  employed  in  the  British  gun-boats  ( Ameri- 
cans by  birth)  deserted  to  us.    The  information  they 
Save  me  was  very  interresting — they  say  that  the  In^ 
ians,  of  which  there  were  fl-om  1600  to  3000,  left  the 
Pritishthe  day  before  their  departure  in  a  high  static  of 
dissatisfaction,  from  the  great  loss  which  they  had 
sustained  in  the  several  engagements  of  the  dtb,  and 
the  failure  of  the  British  in  accomplishing  their  prom- 
ise of  taking  the  post  at  the   Rapids.     From  the  ac- 
count given  by  these  men,  ciy  opinion  is  comfirmed 
of  the  great  superiority  of  the  enemy  which  were  de- 
feated by  our  troops  in  the  two  sollies  made  on  the 
5th  inst.    That  led  by  Col.  Miller  did  not  exceed  350 
men,  and  it  is  very  certain  that  they  defeated  200 
British  regulars,  150  militia,  and  4  or  500  Indians. 
That  American  regulars  (although  they  were  riiw  re- 
cruits) and  such  men  as  compose  the  Pittsburg,  Fenn. 
and  Petersburg,  Va.  volunteers,  should  behave  weil^ 
is  not  to  be  wondered  at — but  .that  a  company  of  mi- 
litia should  maintain  its  ground  against  four  times  its 
numbers,  as  did  Capt.  Sebres,  of  the  Kentucky,  i« 
truly  astonishing.     These  brave  fellows    were    at 
length  however  entirely  surrounded  l^  Indians,  and 


£ 


II; 


|lTStOR\   %t:!f  THA  WAR. 


385 


1th  init.  1 
the  action 
,  and  after 
four  men 
leader  of 
icer  of  note 
to  believe 
:ians  efl'ect- 
VincheUtr. 
turn  c^  the 
edly  prom^ 
could  pro. 
,  a  new  ele- 
iraluable  ar- 
;wo  persons 
it8(Aineri< 
nation  they 
that  the  In« 
OOO,  left  the 
high  static  of 
I  thev  had 
he  dtb,  and 
their  prom- 
rom  the  ac- 
comfirmed 
ch  were  de- 
ladeon   the 
exceed  360 
ifeated  200 
UO  Indians. 
vere  riw  re- 
burg)  Fenn. 
ehave  weiK 
ipany  of  mi- 
)ur  times  its 
entucky,  ii 
a   were    at 
Ddians,and 


would  have  been  entirely  cut  off,  but  for  the  gallantry 
of  Lieut.  Owynne  of  the  19th  regiment,  who,  with 
part  of  Capt.  Elliott's  company,  charged  the  enemy 
And  released  the  Kentuckians.  I  inclose  you  u  list 
of  the  killed  and  wounded  during  the  whole  seige.  It 
ia  considerably  larger  than  I  had  supposed  it  would 
be  when  I  last  wrote  to  you — but  it  is  satisfactory  to 
know  that  they  did  not  bleed  uselessly — but  in  the 
course  of  ituccessful  exertions. 

You  will  also  receive  herewith  a  monthly  return  of 
the  troops  at  camp  Meigs  for  the  last  month  ;  the 
communication  with  the  other  post  being  cut  off,  the 
feturns.  were  not  received.  A  copy  of  Gen.  Ciay*^ 
report  to  me  of  the  manner  of  his  executing  my  order 
for  the  attack  on  the  enemies  batteries,  is  likewise 
forwarded,  by  which  it  will  be  seen  thaf  my  intenti<m 
was  perfectly  understood,  and  the  great  facility 
with  which  they  might  have  been  executed  is  appar- 
ent to  every  individual  who  witnessed  the  scene.  In- 
deed the  cannon  might  have  been  spiked,  the  car- 
riages cut  to  pieces,  the  magazine  destroyed  and  the 
retreat  effected  to  the  boats  without  the  loss  of  a  man, 
as  none  were  killed  in  taking  the  batteries,  so  com- 
plete was  the  surprize. 

An  extensive  open  plain  intervenes  between  Uie 
river  and  the  hill  upon  which  the  batteries  of  the  enc> 
my  were  placed ;  this  plain  was  raked  by  four  of  our 
eighteen  pounders,  a  twelve  and  a  six.  The  enemy, 
even  before  their  guns  were  spiked,  could  not  have 
brought  one  to  bear  on  it.  So  perfectly  secured  was 
their  retreat  that  150  men  who  came  oft'  effected  it 
without  loss,  and.  brought  off  some  of  the  wounded, 
one  of  them  upon  the  backs  of  his  comrades.  The 
Indinns  followed  tliem  to  the  woods,  but  dared  not  en- 
ter  into  the  plain.  •'•  . 

I  am  unable  to  form  a  correct  estimate  of  the  ^n6- 
my's  force.  The  prisoners' varied  much  in  their  ac- 
counts ;  those  who  made  them  least,  stated  the  regu- 
lara  at  o50  and  militia  at  800^ ;  but  the  numbers  of  In- 
dians were  beyond  cooiparison  greater  than  have 


I  1 ' 

'[ill! 


'  il 


:i:.      \ 


> 


i  t 


I 


i'l;;l 


I . 


230 


HISTORY  C7  THE  WAR, 


1    '.  ! 


tt 


I 'Ml 


ever  been  brought  into  the  field  before ;  numbers  ar- 
rived  alter  the  seige  conninenced,  and  they  iivereitide«d 
the  « ilicient  force  of  the  enemy.  J  ...  v  <  ! 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your 
bumble  serv&rit. 

..        W.  HARRISON. 

Return  of  the  killed  and  wounded  at  the  siege  of  fort 
Meigs  and  the  several  sorties  against  the  besiegers. 

Killed,  81 Wounded,  180.~tolal  S70. 

J.  C.  FALLAN,  Asst.  Adjt.  Gen.    . 

The  followiny  conversation  took  place  between  Maj. 

Chamberst  and  Gen.  Harrittont  on  a  demand  for  t/te 

mtrefKler  ojfort  Meiys, 

Maj,  Chamhers — Gen.  Proctor  has  directed  me  to 
demand  the  surrender  of  this  post.  He  wisiies  to 
spare  the  effusion  o1  blood. 

Gen.  Harrison — The  demand  under  present  cir- 
cumstances, is  a  most  extraordinary  one.  As  Gen. 
froctordid  not  send  me  a  summons  to  surrender  on 
bis  first  arrival,  1  had  supposed  that  he  believed  me  de- 
termined to  do  my  duty.  His  present  message  indi- 
cates an  opinion  of  me  that  I  am  at  a  loss  to  ac- 
count for.  .  fjiun 

Maj.  Chambers — Gen.  Proctor  could  never  think 
of  saying  any  thing  (o  wound  your  feelings,  sir, — 
The  character  of  Gen.  Harrison,  as  an  otfacer,  is  well 
known.  Gen.  Proctor  s  force  is  very  respectable,  and 
there  is  with  him  a  larger  body  of  Indians  that  have 
ever  before  been  embodied.  . 

Geu.  Harrison — 1  believe  I  have  a  very  coirect 
idea  ot  Gen.  Proctor's  force,  it  is  not  such  as  to  create 
the  least  apprehension,  for  the  result  of  the  contest, 
whatever  shape  he  may  be  pleased  hereafter  to  give 
to  it.  Assure  the  Gen.  hou  ever,  that  he  will  never 
bave  this  post  surrendered  to  him  upon  any  terms. 
Should  it  fall  into  his  hands,  it  will  be  in  a  manner 
calculated  to  do  him  more  honor,  and  to  give  him  lar- 
ger claims  upon  the  gratitude  of  his  government,  than 
aiiy  capitulation  could  possibly  do. 


HISTORY  OF  TrU  WAR. 


237 


CAPTURE  OF  PORT  GEORGE. 

General  Dearborn  to  the  /Secretary  of  War-^  fTead- 
quarters^  Fort  George  (U.  C.)  May  21, 1813. 
SIR — The  light  troops  under  the  cunimand  of  C>>- 
loiiet  Scott  and  M  vjor  Forsyth,  landed  this  morninfl^ 
at  9  o'clock.  M'ijor-general  Lewis's  division,  with 
Colonel  Poller's  command  of  light  artillery,  supported 
by  them.  Gen.  Boyd's  brigade  landed  immediately 
after  the  light  iroops,  and  Generals  Winder  and  Ciian- 
dler  in  quick  succession.  The  landing  was  warmiy 
and  obstinately  disputed  by  the  British  forces ;  but 
the  coolness  and  intrepidity  of  our  troops  soon  com- 
pelled them  to  give  way  in  every  direction.  Gen. 
Cliandler,  with  the  reserve,  composed  of  his  brigade 
and  Colonel  Micomb's  artillery  covered  the  whole. 
ComiViOdore  Chauncey  had  made  the  most  judicious 
arrangements  for  silencing  the  enemy's  batteries,  near 
the  point  of  landing.  The  army  is  under  the  great- 
est obligations  to  that  able  naval  commander  for  his 
co-operation  in  all  its  important  movements,  and  es- 
pecially in  its  operations  this  day.  Our  batteries  suc- 
ceeded in  rendering  Fort  George  untenable,  and 
when  the  enemy  had  been  beaten  from  his  positions, 
and  found  it  necessary  to  re-enter  it,  after  tiring  a  few 
guns  and  setting  fire  to  the  magazines,  which  soon  ex- 
ploded, he  moved  off  rapidly  by  different  rontes.  Our 
lig^ht  troops  pursued  them  several  miles.  Tl.f^  troops 
having  been  under  arms  from  one  o'clock,  in  the 
morning,  were  too  much  exhausted  for  any  further 
pursuit  We  are  now  in  possession  of  Fort  George 
and  its  immediate  dependencies — to-morrow  we  pro- 
ceed further  on.  The  behaviour  of  our  troops,  both 
officers  and  men,  entitles  them  to  the  highest  praise ; 
and  the  difference  in  our  loss  with  that  of  the  enemy, 
when  we  consider  the  advantages  his  positions  affor- 
I  ded  him,  is  astonishing. — We  had  17  killed  and  45 
I  wounded.  The  enemy  had  90  killed  and  160  woun- 
ded of  the  regular  troops.  We  have  taken  100  pris- 
oners, exclusive  to  the  wounded. — Col.  Meyers  of  the 


m    Osrf^    ^^ 


tas 


HUTORT  OV  THV  WAR. 


n 


49th,  WM  wounded  tod  taken  prisoner.  O^/onrs,  on- 
ly one  commiuioned  officer  was  killed — ^Li«ut.  Hobart 
of  the  liffht  artillery. 

Ihavetlie  hoaor  to  be  &c    _ 

H.  Dearborn. 

Cfm,  Dearborn  to  the  Secretary  oj  Ww, 
Head-Quarters,  Fort  George,  May  29, 1813. 
[Extract.]  Lieut.  Col.  Preston  took  possession  of 
fort  £rie  and  its  dependencies  last  evening,  the  post 
bad  been  abandoned  and  the  inaga2ine  blown  up. 

I  have  ordered  Gen.  Lewis  to  return  without  aelay 
to  this  place,  and  if  the  winds  favor  us,  we  may  yet 
cut  off  the  enemy*s  retreat. 

I  was  last  evening  honored  with  your  despatch  of 
the  15th  inst.  I  have  taken  measures  in  relation  to 
the  23  prisoners,  who  are  to  be  put  in  close  confine* 
ment.  1  have  the  honor,  &c. 

H.  DEARBORN. 

AMERICAN  LOSS. 

Killed  80— wounded  111— totel  150. 
British  loss. 
Killed  108- wounded  163— Prisoners  622-— total  899. 

£.  BEE  BE,  Asst.  Adjt.  Geo. 

Com,  Chauncey  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 
U.  S.  Ship  Madison,  Niagara,  May  28,  1813. 
SIR — Agreeably  to  arrangements  which  I  have 
already  had  the  honor  of  detailing  to  you,  I  left  Sack« 
et's  Harbor  on  the  22d  inst.  with  about  350  of  Col. 
M*Comb*s  regiment  on  boardr-^lie  winds  being  light 
from  the  westward,  I  did  not  arrive  in  the  viciuity  of 
Niagara  before  the  25th  ;  the  other  parts  of  the  si^iad* 
ron  had  arrived  several  days  before,  and  landed  their 
troops.  The  Fair  Amerioati  and  Pert  I  had  ordered 
to  Sacket*s  Harbor,  for  the  purpose  of  watching  the 
enemy's  movements  at  Kingston.  I  immediately  had 
an  interview  with  Gen.  Dearborn,  for  the  purpose  of 
making  arrangements  to  attack  the  enemy  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  it  was  agreed  between  him  and  myself 


HISTORY  OF  THK  WAR, 


Ui9 


to  ii)ake  the  attack  tlie  moment  that  the  weather  was 
such  as  to  allow  tho  vessels  and  boats  to  approach  the 
shoro  with  safety.    On  the  2tfth,  I  reconnoitred  the 
position  for  landing  the  troops,  and  at  night  sounded 
the  shore,  and  placed  buoys  to  sound  out  the  stations 
for  the  small  vessels.     It   was  agreed  between  the 
Gen.  and  myself  to  make  the  attack  the  next  morning 
(as  the  weather  had  moilerated,  and  had  every  ap- 
pearance of  being  favorable.)     I  took  on  board  of  the 
Madison,  Oneida,  and   Lady  of  the  Lake,  all  the 
heavy  artillery,  and  as  many  troops  as  could  be  slow- 
ed.   The  remainder  were  to  embark  in  boats  and  fol 
low  the  fleet.    At  3  yesterdav  morning  the  sign^.l 
was  made  for  the  fleet  to  weigh,  and  the  troops  were 
all  embarked  on  board  of  the  boats  before  four,  and 
soon  after  Generals   Dearborn  and  Lewis  came  on 
board  of  the  ship  with  their  suites.    It  being  howev- 
er nearly  calm,  the  schooners  were  obliged  to  sweep 
into  their  positions.    Mr.  Trant  in  the  Julia,  and  Mr. 
Mix  in  the  Growler,  I  directed  to  take  a  position  in 
the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  silence  a  battery  near  the 
lighk  house,  which  from  its  position  commanded  the 
shore  where  the  troops  were  to  land.    Mr.  Stevens 
in  the  Ontario,  was  directed  to  take  a  position  to  the 
north  of  the  light  house,  so  near  the  shore  as  to  enti- 
lade  the  battery  and  cross  the  fire  of  the  Julia  and 
Growler.     Lieut.  Brown  in  the  Governor  Tompkins, 
I  directed  to  take  a  position  near  to  Two  Mile  creek, 
where  the  enemy  had  a  battery  with  a  heavy  gun. 
I^eut.  Pettigrew  in  the  Conquest,  was  directed  to  an- 
chor to  the  southeast  of  the  same  battery,  so  near  in 
as  to  open  on  it  in  the  rear,  and  cross  the  fire  of  the 
Governor  Tompkins.      Lieut.    MTherson    in  the 
Hamilton,  Lieut.  Smith  in  the  Asp,  and  Mr.  Osgood 
in  the  Scourge,  were  directed  to  anchor  close  to  the 
shore,  uud  cover  the  landing  of  the  troops,   and  to 
scour  the  woods  and  plain  wherever  the  enemy  made 
his  appearance.     All  these  orders  were  promptly  and 
gallantly  execnted.     All  the  vessels  anchored  within 
musket  shot  of  the  shore,  and  in  tea  minutes  after  they 


iii^ 


■i 


>  I       I 


;i 


fVi 


ih 


240 


HISTOUY  OF  THE  WAR. 


IT  i 


'i 


!l! 


opened  upon  the  batteries,   they  were  completely  si- 
lenced and  abandoned. 

Our  troops  then  advanced  in  three  brigades,  the 
advance  led  by  Col.  Scott,  and  landed  near  the  fort, 
which  had  been  silenced  by  Lieut.  Brown.  The  en> 
emy,  who  had  been  concealed  in  a  ravine,  now  ad> 
vunced  in  great  force  to  the  edge  of  the  bank  to 
charge  our  troops.  The  schooners  opened  so  well  di- 
rected and  tremendous  a  fire  of  grape  and  canister, 
that  the  enemy  soon  retreated  from  the  bank.  Our 
troops  formed  as  soon  as  they  landed,  and  immediate- 
ly ascended  the  bank,  charged  and  routed  the  enemy 
in  every  «^irection,  the  schooners  keeping  up  a  con- 
stant well  directed  fire  upon  him  in  his  retreat  towards 
the  town.  Owing  tu  the  wind's  having  sprung  up 
very  fresh  from  the  eastward,  which  caused  a  heavy 
sea  directly  on  shore,  I  was  not  enabled  to  get  the 
boats  off  to  land  the  troops  from  the  Madison  and 
Oneida,  before  the  first  ahd  second  brigades  had  ad- 
vanced. Capt.  Smith  with  the  marines,  landed  with 
Col.  M'Cumb's  regiment,  and  [  had  prepared  400 
seamen,  which  I  intended  to  land  with  myself,  if  the 
enemy  had  made  a  stand  ;  but  our  troops  pursued  him 
so  rapidly  into  the  town  and  fort  George,  that  1  found 
there  was  no  necessity  for  more  torce ;  moreover,  the 
wind  had  increased  so  much  and  hove  such  a  sea  on 
shore,  that  the  situation  ot  the  fleet  had  become  dan- 
gerous and  critical.  1  therefore,  made  a  signal  for 
the  fleet  to  weigh,  and  ordered  them  into  the  river, 
where  they  anchored  immediately  after  the  enemy 
had  abandoned  fort  George.  The  town  and  forts 
were  m  quiet  possession  of  our  troops  at  12  o'clock, 
aid  the  enemy  retired  in  a  direction  towards  Queens- 
town. 

Capt.  Perry  joined  me  from  Erie  on  the  evening  of 
the  25th,  and  very  gallantly  volunteered  his  services, 
and  1  have  much  pleasure  in  acknowledging  the 
great  assistance  which  I  received  from  hini.  We 
lost  but  one  killed  and  two  wounded,  and  no  injury 
done  to  the  vessels. 

ISAAC  CHAUKCEY. 


i;tf 


completely  si. 

brigades,  the 
near  the  fort, 
yn.     TJieeiK 
ine,  now  ad- 
Ibe  bank  to 
ed  so  well  di- 
ind   canister, 
'  bank.    Our 
d  immediate- 
;d  the  enemy 
?  up  a  con- 
reat  towards 
r  sprung  up 
sed  a  heavy 
to  get  the 
iladison  and 
lies  had  ad- 
anded  with 
repared  400 
^self,  if  the 
pursued  him 
that  1  found 
)reover,  the 
b  a  sea  on 
tcome  dan- 
signal  for 
the  river, 
the  enemy 
and  forts 
12  o'clock, 
Is  Queens- 

vening  of 
<  services, 
Iging  llie 
iini.     We 
no  injury 

CEY. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAK. 


m 


Com,  Chauncey  to  the  Secretary  qftJie  Navy. 
V.  S.  Ship  Madison,  Sacket*^  Harbor,  June  4, 1813. 
■  S1R-~^I  have  th^  honor  to  present  to  ypu  by  the 
hands  of  Lieut*  pudley^the  British  standard  taken  at 
York  on  the  27th  of  April  last,  accompanied  by  the 
mace,  over  which  hung  a  human  bC  ALP> — ^These 
articles  were  taken  from)  the  ParlaimeiU  house  by  on^^ 
of  my  officers  apd  presented  to  me.  The  scalp, I 
caused  to  be  presented  to  Gen.  Dearborn,  who  1  be- 
lieve still  has  it  in  his  possession.  I  also  send  by  i^ 
same  gentleman,  one  of  the  British  flags  taken  at  fort 
George  9ti  the  27th  of  May. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNC3EY. 

Lieut*  Chauncey  to  Cum.  Chauncey. 

Sackel's  Harbor,  June  18,  1813. 
SI  Rw^ According  to  your  orders  of  the  I4tfa  inst;. 
I  proceeded  off  Presque  Isle  in  the  schooner  Lady  of 
.the  Lake.  On  the  morning  of  the  16th  I  fell  in  with 
,and  captured  the  English  sct^oner  l^ady  Murray, 
from  Kmgston  bound  to  York, loaded  with  provisions 
and  ammunition. 

Enclosed  is  a  list  of  one  ensign,  15  non-commis- 
sioned officers  and  privates  found  Oil  board,  with  6 
meu  attached  to  the  vessel. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c^ 

WOLCOTT  CHAUNCEY. 

Battk  tU'forly  mile  Creek,  Upper  Canacfa. 
Gen.  Vincent  having  taken  his  stand  at  forty  mile 
Creek,  about  33  miles  from  fort  George,  after  his  de- 
feat at  the  fort.  Brig.  Gen.  Winder  was  sent  in  pur- 
suit of  him.  On  the  4th  of  June,  Brig.  Gen.  Chand- 
ler, with  another  detachment,  was  sent  off  from  fort 
George  to  reinforce  Gen.  Winder,  and  arrived  at 
Head  Q,uarters  the  dth,  A  deserter  from  the  Amer- 
ican c.amp  informed  Gen.  Vincent  of  the  situation  of 
the  army,  and  gave  him  the  countersign ;  in  five  min- 
utes the  whole  English  army  were  in  motion,  and  at 

31 


^^■li\ 


i'   il 


!t 


'!    ;. 


V. 


;    ;',  i 


\{ 


!  n 


• 


i  \t 


mM 


H 


-   in      ,  ( 


•  ,  i       j' 

! 

.i 

i    .   1 . 

1 

!'■•■ 

'       ,          1 

1 

1 

242 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


2  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  '6th  entered  our  camp. 
The  two  Generals  Winder  and  Chandler,  in  endeav. 
orin^  to  form  the  troops,  and  the  deputy  quarter-mas- 
ter General  Vandeventer,  were  surrounded  and  taken 
prisoners.  Our  army  formed  immediately  and  at- 
tacked the  enemy  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  which 
soon  occasioned  a  general  route,  the  enemy  taking 
off  his  prisoners,  and  leaving  Col.  Clarke,  sixty  pris- 
oners, and  250  killed  in  our  hands.  Our  loss  was  17 
killed,  38  wounded,  and  100  missing -total  155 

ATTACK  ON  SACKETT'S  HARBOR. 

Gen.  Brown  to  the  JSetretary  of  War. 

Head  Quarters^  SackHfs  Harbor^  June  1, 1813. 

On  the  25th  ultimo,  I  received  a  letter  from  Gen. 
Dearborn,  requestingme  to  repair  to  this  post  for  the 
purpose  of  taking  command.  Knowing  tnat  Lieut. 
Col.  Backns,  an  officer  of  the  first  regiment  of  dra- 
goons, and  of  experience,  was  here,  I  hesitated,  as  I 
would  do  no  act  which  might  wound  his  feelings.  In 
the  night  of  the  27th  I  re(^eived  a  note  from  this  officer, 
by  Maj.  Swan,  deputy  quarter-master  Gen.  joining  in 
the  request  already  made  by  Maj.  Gen.  Dearborn.  I 
could  no  longer  hesitate,  and  accordingly  arrived  at 
this  post  early  in  the  morning  of  the  28th.  These 
circumstances  will  explain  how  1  came  to  be  in  com- 
mand upon  this  occasion.  Knowing  well  the  ground, 
my  arrangements  for  defence,  in  the  event  of  an  attack, 
were  soon  made. 

In  the  course  of  the  morning  of  the  28th,  Lieut. 
Chauncey,  of  the  navy,  came  in  from  the  lake,  tiring 
guns  of  alann.  Those  of  the  same  character,  intended 
to  bring  in  the  militia,  were  tired  from  the  posts. 
The  ei)emy*s  fleet  soon  after  appeared  accompained 
by  a  large  number  of  boats.  Believing  that  he 
would  land  on  the  peninsula,  commonly  called  Horse 
Island,  I  deteitnined  to  meet  him  at  the  water's  edge 
with  such  militia  as  I  could  collect  and  the  Albany 
volunteers,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Mills  ; 
Lieut.  Col.  Backus  with  the  regulars,  formed  a  se- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


24a 


c0ttd  line ;  the  care  of  fort  Tompkins  was  committed 
to  the  regulai*  artillerists  and  some  volunteers,  an(| 
that  of  Navy  Point  to  Lieut.;  Chauncey  of  the  navy. 
IC  driven  from  my  position,  Lieut.  Col.  Backus,  was 
ordered  to  advance  and  meet  the  iiead  of  the  enemy's 
column,  while  rallying  my  corps.  I  was  to  fall  on 
iU  flanks.  If  unable  here  to  resist  the  enemy's  attack, 
Lieut  Chauncey  was  in  that  case  to  destroy  the  stores. 
Inc.  and  retire  to  the  south  shore  of  the  bay,  east  of 
Fort  Volunteer,  while  I  proceeded  to  occupy  that 
fort  as  our  dernier  resort. 

In  the  course  of  the  27th  and  during  the  nights  of 
the  28th,  and  29th,  ultimo,  a  considerable  militia  force 
came  in,  and  were  ordered  to  the  water  side  near 
H''*'se  Island,  on  which  was  Lieut.  Col.  Mills  and 
bi'"  'tu^nteers.  Our  strength  at  this  point  was  now 
•5  >  ^  le.)-— all  anxious  for  battle,  as  far  as  profession 
would  go.  Tiie  moment  it  was  light  enough  to  dis- 
cover the  approach  of  the  enemy,  we  found  his  ships 
in  line  between  Horse  Island  and  Stony  Point,  and  in 
a  tew  minutes  afterwards  33  large  bo-its  filled  with 
troops,  came  off  to  the  larger  Indian  or  Garden  Island, 
undercover  of  the  fire  of  nis  gun  boats.  My  orders  , 
were,  that  the  troops  should  lie  close  and  reserve 
their  fire  till  the  enemy  had  approached  so  near  that 
every  shot  might  hit  its  object.  It  is,  however,  im- 
possible to  execute  such  orders  with  raw  troops  unac- 
customed to  subordination.  My  orders  were  in  this 
case  disobeyed.  Tne  whole  line  fired,  and  not  with- 
out efiect — but  in  the  moment  while  I  was  contem- 
plating this,  to  my  utter  astonishment,  they  rose  from< 
their  cover  and  fled.  Cot.  Mills  fell  gallantly  in 
brave  but  in  vain  endeavors  to  stop  his  men.  I  was' 
personally  more  fortunate.  GiUhering  together  about 
100  militia,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Capt. 
M'Nitt  of  that  corps,  we  threw  ourselves  on  the  rear 
of  the  enemy's  left  flank,  and  I  trust,  did  some  execii- 
tion.  It  was  during  this  last  movement  that  the  riB- 
S^ulars  under  Col.  Backus,  first  engaged  the  eaemy— >^ 
nor  was  it  long  before  they  defeated  him. 


^V 


l 


liil 


'      *l 


i    1 


./■■' 


>    ,1- 


'1 


!I1^: 


244 


HISTORY  bF  tlht  WAW. 


Hurryinflf  to  this  point  of  action,  I  found  the  battle 
iitill  racing,  but  with  obvious  advantage  on  our  side. 
The  result  of  the  action,  so  glorious  for  the  officers 
ftnd  soldiers  of  the  regular  army,  has  already  been 
communicated  in  my  letter  of  the  29th.  Had  not 
Gen.  Prevost  retreated  most  rapidly  under  the  guns 
of  his  vessels,  he  would  never  have  returned  to  Kings* 
Ion. 

The  enemy's  force  consisted  of  1000  picked  men, 
led  by  sirGcioi^  Prevost  in  person.  Their  fleet  con* 
aisted  of  the  new  ship  Wolfe,  the  Royal  George,  the 
prince  Regent,  Earl  of  Moira,  two  armed  schooners, 
and  their  gun  and  other  boats. 

Lieiit  Col.  Tuttle  was  in  march  for  this  post,  but 
With  every  exertion  was  unable  to  reach  it  in  time  to 
take  part  in  the  action.  This  is  felt  by  the  Col.  and 
every  officer  of  his  detachment,  as  a -misfortune. 

JACOB  BROWN.  Brig.  Gen.  ^;  Y.  Militia. 

AMERICAN  LOSS. 

Killed,  SI.— 'Wounded,  84,— Missing,  50,>-^ota1  ISS, 
WJVI.  SWAI^N.  Act.  Adjt.  'Qenttral 


v 


BRITISBL  SS. 

Killed,  99,— Wounded,  112, — ^Prisoi^ers,  85,^-4otal, 
186. 

'  Gen.  LenHs  to  the  Saretary  ojf  War, 

Jacket's  Harbor,  July  20,  1^1  a. 

\Extrafit^  Our  fleet  has  gone  out  of  the  mner  bar* 
lior,  and  appearances  are  in  favor  of  its  going  -to  sea 
ih  48  hours  at  farthest. 

A  little  expedition  ofvolanteers  iVom  the  countrv, 
to  which,  by  the  advice  of  Com.  Chnuncey,  I  lent  40 
soldiers,  s&iled  from  hence  three  day«  since  on  board 
of  two  small  row  boats,  with  a  six  pounder  each,  to 
the  bead  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  where  they  captured  a 
flne  gun  boat  hiounting  a  34  pouader,  14  oatteaux 
loaded.  4  officers  and  dl  \n<?in.  Two  of  our  tchooa* 
en  went  out  and  convoyed  them  in,     <'■ 


mvftovr  or  the  war. 


i4& 


Gen.  Harrison  to  the  Secretary  of  War, 
Head-Quarters,  Seneca,  Autr.  5,  1813. 
I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you  Major  Cnifrban's 
report  of  the  attack  upon  fort  Stephenson,  which  has  this 
moment  come  to  hand.    W  ith  great  respect,  Sec. 
4v  «m  ,^,  -i^mU  W.  H.  HARRISOJV. 

'fi  of  i  ... 


't-.. 


Major  Crpghan  to  Gen.  Harrison. 
^-'•^  Lower-Sandusky,  Aug.  5,  1813. 

Deer  Sir — 1  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  the 
combined  fb;ce  afihe«neimy,  amonnting  to  at  least 
600  regulars  and  seven  or  eight  hundred  Indians, 
under  the  innmediate  oommand  of  Gen.  Proctor,  made 
its  appearance  before  this  place,  early  on  Hunday 
evening  last,  and  as  soon  as  the  Oen.  bad  made  sucn 
disposition  of  his  troops  as  would  cut  off  my  retreat, 
should  .1  be  disposed  to  make  «ne,  he  sent  Cil.  EUiott, 
accompanied  by  Major  Ghambers,  with  a  ilHg,  to  de- 
mand the  surrender  ^  the  fort,  as  he  was  anxious  to 
ftpare  the  effusion  of  blood,  which  he  should  probably 
not  have  in  his  power  to  do,  «houl4  he  be  reduced  to 
the  necessity  of  taking  the  place  l^  storm.  My  an- 
swer to  the  summons  was,  that  I  was  determined  to 
defend  Hie  place  to  the  lastextremity,  and  that  no  force 
however  laree,  should  induce  me  to  surrender  it.  So 
soon  as  the  nag  had  returned,  a  brisk  fire  was  opened 
upon  us  from  th«  gon  boats  in  the  river  and  from  a 
6  !-2  inch  howitzfir  on  shore,  which  was  kept  up  with 
little  intermission  throughout  the  night.  At  an  early 
hour  the  next  morning,  three  sixes  (which  had  been 
placed  during  the  night  within  2^0  yards  of  the  pick- 
ets) began  to  play  upon  us,  but  with  little  emct. 
About  4  o'clock  P.  M.  discovering  that  the  tire  from 
ail  his  guns  were  concentrated  against  Ahe  north- 
western angle  of  the  fort,  I  became  confident  that  his 
object  was  to  make  a  breach,  and  attempt  to  storm  the 
ivorks  at  that  point,  I  therefore  ordered  oulas  many 
men  as  could  be  employed  for  the  purpose  of  strength- 
ening that  part,  which  was  so  effectually  secured  by 
saeans  of  bags  of  flour,  SMid,  &c.  that  the  picketing 


'■I 


.ill! 


iii 


tl 


liii 


246 


BISTORT  OF  THE  WAA. 


•  ■.!l1i 


ii'ii 


\.\ 


suffered  little  or  no  injury ;  notwithstanding  'which, 
the  enemy  about  500,  having^  formed  in  a  close  col- 
umn advanced  to  assault  our  works  at  the  expected 
point,  at  the  si^me  time  making  two  feints  on  the  frojit 
of  Capt.  Hunter's  lines.  The  column  which  advanc- 
ed against  the  north-western  agle,  consisting  of  about 
350  men,  was  so  enveloped  in  smoke,  as  not  to  be 
discovered  until  it  had  approached  within  18  or  20 
paces  of  tlie  lines,  but  the  men  being  all  at  their  posts 
and  ready  to  receive  it,  commenced  so  heavy  and  gal- 
ling a  fire  as  to  throw  the  column  a  littlq  into  confu- 
sion ;  being  quickly  rallied  it  advanced  to  the  outer 
works  and  began  to  leap  into  the  ditch.  Just  at  that 
moment  a  fire  of  grape  was  opened  from  our  6  poun- 
der (which  had  been  previously  arranged  so  as  to 
rake  in  that  direction)  which  together  with  the  mus-. 
ketry,  threw  them  into  such  confusion  that  they  wete 
compelled  to  retire  precipitately  to  the  woods. 

During  the  assault,  which  lasted  about  half  an  hour, 
an  incessant  fire  was  kept  up  by  the  enemy's  artillery 
(which  consisted  of  five  sixes  and  a  howitzer)  but 
without  effect.  My  whole  loss  during  the  siege  was 
one  killed  and  seven  woun4ed  slightly. — ^The  loss  of 
the  enemy  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  must 
exceed  150;  one  Lieut.  Colonel,  a  Lieut,  and  fifty 
rank  and  file  were  found  in  and  about  the  ditch,  dead 
or  wounded.  Those  of  the  remainder  who  were  not 
able  to  escape,  were  taken  off  during  the  night  by  the 
Indians.  Seventy  stand  of  arms,  and  several  braces 
of  pistols  have  been  collected  near  the  works.  About 
three  in  the  morning  the  enemy  sailed  down  the  riv- 
er, leaving  behind  them  a  boat  containing  clothing 
and  considerable  military,  stores.    .  >a/ 

,/Vi.:      Yours  with  respect. 
> .  J    V  G.  CROGHAN,  Maj.  17th  U.  S.  Infantry. 

By  a  letter  from  Gov.  Huntington,  dated  L&mr 
/jSandi(«%,  Aug.  4,  it  appears  that  Major  Groghan's 
force  was  160,  and  that  of  the  enem;y  800.  It  further, 
states  that  the  enemy  lost  40  men  killed  in  the  ditch 


HISTORY  or  THE  WAR. 


247 


with  Lieut.  Col.  Short,  and  several  officers ;  and 
aboat  the  same  number  of  re^j^ulars  while  advancing 
to  the  attack,  besides  Indians.  Our  loss  was  one 
killed,  and  tive  vi  v  inded. — ^I'lie  enemy  8d  killed  and 
25  prisoners.* 

*  What  will  Gen.  Proctor  sav,  when  he  finds  he  has 
been  baffled  by  a  youth  but  just  passed  his  21st  year. 
He  is,  however,  a^  Hero  worthy  of  his  gallant  uncle 
Gen.  George  B.  Clarke.'  [See  Gen.  Harrison  to J/ie 
Secretary  of  \Var^ 

■-'■'■-    LOSS  OP  THE  CHESAPEAKE.      iJ; 
Lieut.  Budd  to  tlte  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 

HalifaXf  June  15,  1813. 

SIR — ^The  unfortunate  death  of  Capt.  Janus  Law- 
fence  and  Lieut.  Auymtus  C.  LudloWt  has  rendered 
it  my  duty  to  inform  you  of  the  capture  of  the  late 
U.  states  Frigate  Chesapeake. 

On  Teusday,  June  1,  at  8  A.  M.  we  unmoored 
ship  and  at  meridian  got  under  way  from  President's 
Roads,  with  a  light  wind  from  the  isouthward  and 
westward,  and  proceeded  on  a  cruise.  A  ship  was 
then  in  sight  in  the  offing  which  had  the  appearencc 
ofashipof  war,  and  which,  from  information  received 
from  pilot  boats  and  crait,  we  believed  to  be  the  Brit> 
ish  Frig&te  Shannon.  We  made  sail  in  chase  and 
cleared  ship  for  action.  At  half  past  4  P.  M.  she  hove 
to,  with  her  head  to  the  southward  and  eastward. 
At  5  P.  M.  took  in  the  royals  and  top-gallant-^ails 
and  at  half  past  five  hauled  the  courst^b  jp.  About  15 
minutes  before  6  P.  M.  the  action  commenced  within 
pistol  shot.  The  first  broadside  did  great  execution 
on  both  sides,  damaged  our  rigging,  killed  auiong- 
others  Mr.  White  the  sailing  master,  and  wounded 
Capt.  Lawrence.  In  about  12  minutes  after  the  coin- 
mencement  of  the  action,  we  fell  on  board  of  the  en- 
emy and  immediately  after  one  of  our  arm  chests  on 
the  quarter-deck  was  blown  up  by  a  hand  grenade 
thrown  from  the  enemy's  ship.  In  a  few  minutes  on^^ 
of  the  Captain's  aids  came  on  the  gun  deck  to  inform 
me  that  the  boarders  were   called.     I  immediutelv 


'ilT    illt 


I  ( 


li 


I 


^'iHiiiiiij 


248 


HIBTOBT  OF  THS  WAS. 


I 


V 


I!. 


5*1 


1*^^ 


'^M 


}i  \  if  j" 

i|N 

i 

i!         i 
i 

called  the  boarders  away  and  proceeded  to  the  ipa^ 
deckf  where  I  found  that  the  enemy  had  succeeded  in 
boarding  us  and  hud  gained  possession  of  dur  quarter 
deck.  I  immediately  gave  orders  to  Laul  on  board 
the  fore  tack,  for  the  purpose  of  shooting  the  ship 
clear  of  the  other,  and  then  made  an  attempt  to  re- 
gain the  quarter  deck,  but  was  wounded  and  thrown 
down  on  the  gun  deck.  1  again  made  an  effort  to  col- 
lect the  boarders,  but  in  the  mean  time  the  enemy  had 
gained  complete  possession  of  the  ship.  On  my  beip|^ 
carried  down  to  the  ceck-nit,  I  there  found  Captaio 
Itawrence  and  Lieut.  Ludlow  both  mortally  wound- 
ed ;  the  former  had  been  carried  below  previously  to 
the  ship's  being  boarded  ;  the  latter  was  wounded  in 
attempting  to  repel  the  boarders.  Among  those  who 
.fell  early  in  the  action  was  Mr.  Edward  J.  Ballard, 
ihe  4th  Lieut,  and  Lieut.  Jan»es  Broom  of  marines. 

I  herein  enclose  to  you  a  return  of  the  killed  and 
wounded,  by  which  yoit  will  perceive  that  every  offi- 
cer, upon  whom  the  charge  of  the  ship  would  devolve, 
was  either  killed  or  wounded  previously  to  her  cap* 
ture.  The  enemy  report  the  lo!«  of  Mr.  Watt,  their 
first  Lieut.  *he  purser,  the  Captain'ti  clerk,  and  2S 
seamen  killed ;  and  Capt.  Broke,  a  midshipmui  »"<! 
06  seamen  wounded. 

The  Shannon  had,  in  addition  to  her  full  comple- 
ment, an  officer  and  16  men  belonging  to  the  Belle 
.Poule,  and  a  part  of  the  crew  belonging  to  the  Ten- 
dos.        I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

I  GEORGE  BUDD. 

.  Killed  on  board  the  Chesapeake  60 — wounded  86. 

Commodore  Chtmncey  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 
U.  S.  ship  G'en.  Pike,  Niagara,.  Aue.  4, 18.13. 
[Extradi]  On  Xiie  2dth  1  was  joined  by  the  Pert, 
and  on  the  27  ih  biy  the  Lady  of  the  Lake  with  guides, 
and  Capt.  Cram  is  company  of  artillery,  and  Col. 
Scott,  who  had  very  handsomely  volunteered  for  lie 
service — Afler  c  onversing  with  Gol.  Scott  upon  the 


4H  li 


itliltftllY  dF  TAB  WAB. 


349 


iMbie^l,  it  was  thouirht  advisable  to  take  on  board  26f> 
Iiitaiitry,  which  by  the  extraordinary  exertions  of  that 
excellent  officer,  were  emimrked  before  six  o'clock 
the  next  ninrningf ;  we  arrived  and  anchored  in  the 
harbor  of  York,  at  about  3  P.  M.  on  the  dlst,  run 
theshnonera  into  the  up;  erharDor,  landed  the  marines 
a. id  soldiers  under  the  command  of  Col.  Scott,  with- 
out opposition,  found  several  himdred  barrels  of  flour 
and  provisions  in  the  public  storehouse,  iive  pieces  cf 
icannon,  eleven  boats,  and  a  quantity  of  shot,  shells  and 
other  stores,  all  which  were  either  destroyed  or 
broUjrht  away.  On  the  1st  instjust  after  receiving 
on  board  all  the  vessels  could  take,  I  directed  the 
barracks  and  the  public  store  houses  to  be  burnt ;  we 
then  re-embarked  the  men  and  proceeded  for  this 
place,  where  I  arrived  yesterday.  Between  4  and 
500  men  left;  York  for  the  head  of  the  lake  two  days 
before  we  arrived  there.  Some  few  prisoners  were 
taken,  some  of  whom  were  paroled,  the  others  have 
been  landed  at  Port  George. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  very  respectfully  your 
obedient  servant.  ISA  AC  CH  AlTNCE  Y. 

'  Burning  of  Sodnst  N,  Y. — Sodnii  Was  the  first 
town  burnt  in  this  war.  This  was  a  handsome  little 
village  of  about  40  houses.  The  British  appeared  off 
file  place,  the  17th  June,  1813,  but  finding  a  consider- 
able- militia  force,  put  ofi^  into  the  Lake.  The  mili- 
tia were  disbanded  on  the  20th,  when  the  enemy 
ag^iu.  returned,  and  efiected  a  landing.—Finding  the 
public  stores,  chiefly  removed,  they  immediately  set  fire 
to  every  valuable  house  in  the  village,  and  returned  to 
their  vessels,  after  suffering  a  loss  of  4  killed,  and  sev- 
eral wounded,  by  a  few  citizens.  The  enemy's  force 
consisted  of  the  Royal  George,  Earl  Moiru,  Prince 
Regent,  Simcoe  Schr.  and  several  small  boats  and 
tenders. 

Attack  rn   Crane^  Island.  (Tirj— On  the  20th 
June,  the  British  attempted  a  landing  on  this  Island, 
.32 


i$: 


m 


l^ihilil 


3 

I 


Mi 


ill; 


230 


HISTORY  OF  TUB  WAR. 


for  the  purfiose  of  more  coMily  conquering  Norfolk. 
Thirteen  ships  of  the  hne  anchored  ufiJiDieM  ri\er, 
from  wliich  about  3o0()  troops  viere  embarked  for 
Granev  Island. — Coi».  CasNin,  of  the  gun  boats  and 
Capt.  Morris  of  the  Constellation  frigate  manned  two 
batteries  with  2'5U  men  on  the  point  of  the  Island  to 
receive  them  ;  the  remainder  ot  the  force,  200  were 
stationed  on  the  beach.  At  8  o'clock  the  barges  at- 
tempted to  land,  but  were  driven  back,  with  the  loss  of 
250  killed  and  wounded,  and  45  prisoners,  and  their 
largest  barge,  which  was  sunk,  with  75  men  on  board ; 
the  boat  and  20 men  were  finally  saved  by  the  Amtr- 
icans — our  loss  was  28  kUled  and  wounded. 

Capture  of  Hampton. — The  25th  of  June,  the  forc« 
that  attempted  Craney  Island,  landed  at  Hampton, 
and  carried  it  atter  a  gallant  defence  made  by  our 
militia,  436  strong,  for  forty -iive  minutes.  The  enemy 
attacked  us  by  land  and  water  ;  their  land  force  was 
about  2500  strong,  of  whom  400  were  riflemen.  Af- 
ter our  men  were  completely  surrounded,  they  saw 
that  they  must  either  surrender,  or,  break  their  way 
through  the  enemy's  lines.  They  resolved  upon  the 
latter,  when  the  gallant  Maj.  Crvtcfi/ield,  led  them  on, 
and  broke  the  lines,  and  made  good  their  retreat,  af- 
ter killing  and  wounding  200  of  their  adversaries. 
Our  loss  on  this  occasion  was  seven  killed,  twelve 
wounded,  and  twelve  prisoners. 

Ascene  now  commenced  sufficient  to  chill  the  blood 
of  the  Savages,  and  even  put  them  to  the  blush.. 

*To  give  you,  sir,  (says  Maj.  Crutchfield  in  his  offi- 
cial account  to  Gov.  Barbour,^  an  idea  of  the  savage- 
likedispositionof  theenemy,on  their  getting  possession 
of  the  neighborhood,  would  be  a  vain  attempt  Al- 
though Sir  Sidney  Beckwith  assured  me  that  no  un- 
easiness need  be  felt,  in  relation  to  the  unfortunate 
Americans,  ti<  i  fact  is  that  on  yesterday,  [two  days  af- 
ter the'battlf.,J  there  were  several  dead  Dodies  lying 
unburied,  and  the  wounded  nut  even  assisted  into  the 
town,  although  observed  to  be  crawling  tlft'ough  the 
fields  towards  a  cold  and  inhospitable  protectioti. 


'\,' : 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


2ol 


'  'The  unfortunate  females  of  Hampton,  who  could 
not  leave  the  town,  were  suffered  to  be  abuHcd  in  the 
most  shameful  manner,  not  only  by  th  j  venal  savnj^e 
foe,  but  by  the  unfortunate  and  infatur.ted  blacks  who 
were  encouraged  in  their  excesses.  They  pillaged 
and  encouraged  every  act  of  rapine  and  murder,  kiU 
ling  a  poor  man,  by  the  name  of  Kirhy  who  had  been 
lying  on  his  bed  at  the  point  of  death,  for  more  than  six 
weeks,  shooting  his  wife  at  the  same  time  in  the 
hip,  and  killing  his  faithful  dog  lying  un<ler  his  feet. 
The  murdered  Kirby  was  lying  last  night,  welter- 
ing in  his  blood.'  • 

Extract  from  a  letter  of  Capt.  Cooper^  to  Lieut. 
Gov.MaUory,r—*The  enemy  look  possession  of  Hump- 
ton,  with  upwards  of  2000  men  against  those  above 
mentioned,  with  the  immense  loss  of  upwards  of  200 
killed  and  wounded,  on  their  part.  We  had  about  5 
killed,  10  wounded,  and  4  prisoners, — the  ballance 
have  been  accounted  for. 

*  I  was  yesterday  in  Hampton  with  my  troop,  that 
place  having  been  evacuated  in  the  morning. — My 
hbod  ran  coldatw/tat  I  saw  and  heard. — ^Teurs  were 
shedding  in  every  corner, — the  infamous  scoundrels, 
monsters,  destroyed  every  things  but  the  houses,  and 
(my  pen  is  almost  unwilling  to  describe  it,)  the  m;o- 
men  were  ravished  by  those  abandoned  n^ians. — Great 
God !  my  dear  friend,  figure  to  yourself  our  Hamp- 
ton females,  siezed,  and  treated  with  violence  by 
those  monsterSt  and  not  a  solitary  American  present 
to  avenge  their  wrongs  ! !  But  enough — I  can  say 
no  more  of  this.' 

Certificate*  The  enemy  robbed  the  Pulpit  and 
Communion  Table,  in  the  Episcopal  Church,  of  all 
the  trappings,  8cc.  together  with  all  the  plate,  al- 
though inscribed  with  the  name  of  the  Donor,  and  of 
the  parish  to  which  they  belonged.  They  committed 
Rape  in  many  instances  and  murdered  a  sick  man  in 
h\»  bed,  and  shot  a  ball  through  his  wife's  thigh  *  they 
wantonly  destroyed  every  species  of  property  that 


^1 


3i 


KMtiP 


m 


'■>» 


Hlltf 


m 


UI8TQRY  OF  TBC  WAE* 


they  had  no  use  for,  and,  in  fuel,  even  utripiied  th'*, 
shut  off  the  back  of  G&>rye  IJopet  sen'r.  aoout  7^ 
3feurM  of  aue,  nud  took  the  NhueN  ti'oni  his  feet,  after 
pricking  liipi  with  the  bu\uiiet. 

JOHN  WESTWOOD,  Hampton. 

Murder  of  John  B.  Graves. — Mr.  Graves  was  u 
tneutber  of  the  2dd  regt.  Inlantry,  and  was  wounded 
through  the  arm  at  lite  attack  on  iSackf  tl's  Harbor  in 
May,  and  was  removed  to  Oswego.  When  Oswego 
was  attacked,  Graves  had  so  far  recovered  as  to  be 
able  to  load  anik  fire — and  stood  his  ground  like  a 
hero.  (Tnforiunattly  he  was  again  wuuikded,  and 
carried  to  a  log  iiouKe  with  i.wo  others.  Our  nieu 
shortly  after  retreated,  and  an  ENGLISH  orriCKR, 
a  Lnvtenaiitt  came  to  the  door  of  the  house,  and  |  re- 
sented a  fuzeeat  hun ;  upon  which  Gra\es  exclaimed 
*0  mercift  J  or  heaven  s  wiAe,  sh«M  me  imicy  ;  dout 
thoot  me  ayain^  J  am  b(<(Hy  wounded.'  The  officer 
cocked  his  piece,  which  was  within  its  oun  lejtgthof 
Graves,  weltering  in  his  blood,  and  with  an  iiiternal 
grill,  said  *l'hL  SH£\I'  YOU  mekcy,  goddaain 
YOU,'  and  immediately  discharged  lis  contents,  a  ball 
and  three  buckshot  into  his  brt  ast.  This  inhuman 
villain  soon  met  his  reward,  for  st  arrely  had  he  turn- 
ed  his  eyes  from  the  object  of -his  barbarity,  when  he 
was  sh«»t  through  the  brain,  and  fell  dead  almost  withr 
in  reach  of  Graves. 

Skirmishing  ni fort  Georye,  U.  Canada. 

On  tlie  14lh  of  Aug.  ]hl3,  Gen.  Proctor  attacked 
our  pickets  at  day  break  ; — after  a  sl.'ort  engagement 
in  which  the  enepiy  had  \&  killed,  and  one  Capt.  and 
lieveral privates  made  (risoners  our  force  retired  to 
the  fort  with  the  loss  of  2  killed  and  several  wouiided. 

On  the  night  of  the  17tb,  our  troops  and  a  fiew  In- 
dians formed  an  ambuscade,  about  300  strong,  im- 
mediately in  front  of  the  British  camp — at  day  light 
our  Indians  rose  and  gave  the  war-hoop,  and  the  en- 
ftay  considering  it  a  friendly  call,  came  foctb,  aii<j| 


HISTORY  or  THB  WAR. 


2da 


were  within  hnU'  rifle  hIioI  i)«fore  thev  dlNCOvered  tlie 
•trHtngem.  Tti«7  were  met  U|>oii  all  MiUeti,  and  oitide 
t^ut  littlfi  resiiitaiice  ;  75  beiii|;  kdled  the  tirKt  iihot, 
and  the  reiuainder,  10,  nurreiidered  as  piiHOiiers. 

Col.  Wm.  Rnsseli,  of  Vincennei,  with  673  men 
cliiefly  vulnnteers,  from  Kentucky  and  Ohio,  uiarirh- 
e*i  from  Villo  lia  on  the  '^5th  June,  for  the  |>ur|N>8e  of 
relieving  the  frontier  inhal'itants  of  the  Nf/ugfM.  In 
marching  through  their  country  four  weeks  they  suc- 
ceeded in  destroying  sixteen  of  their  villugeH,  and  a 
considerable  auantity  of  corn,  &c.  and  returned  with- 
out the  lass  of  a  single  man,  bringing  in  several  pri»- 
onera,  and  10  horsea  which  the  Lidians  had  pilhiged 
a  few  days  before  of  the  inhabitants.  •    w 

A  Kanikee/ricA.^-Onlhedthorjuly,  1813,  Ctm. 
J<ewis,  commandant  of  the  flotilla  of  Gun  Boats  at 
New. York,  sent  out  the  fishing  smack  Yankee  from 
Musquito  cove,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  by  strata- 
gem, the  sloop  Eigle,  a  tender  to  the  Poictiers  of  74 
funs,  which  had  been  very  troublesome  to  the  fisher- 
men off  Sandy  Hook  where  they  were  cruising.  A 
calf,  a  sheep,  and  a  goose  were  purchased  and  secured 
on  deck ;  and  between  3()  and  40  men,  well  armed 
with  muskets,  were  secreted  in  the  cabin  and  fote-p 
peak,  of  the  smuck.  Thus  prepared,  with  3  men 
dressed  in  fishermeirs  clothes  on  decL.  ''He  put  out  to 
sea  as  if  going  on  a  fishing  trip.  The  Tl  igle  on  per- 
ceiving the  smack  gave  chase,  and  a^W  coming  up 
with  her,  seeing  she  had  li  e  stock  on  deck,  ordered 
her  V)  go  down  to  the  Commudot  e,  about  five  miles 
distant.     The  helmsman  crii.:d  ^  a)e  aye  sir,*   and  ap- 

Earently  put  up  the  helm  for  that  purpose,  which 
rouirht  her  alongside  the  Eagle,  not  more  than  three 
yards  distant.  The  watch-word,  LawrH&Xt  was  then 
given,  when  the  armed  men  rushed  from  their  hiding 
places  and  poured  into  her  a  volley  of  musketry* 
which  struck  her  crew  with  dismay,  and  drove  them 
^1  into  the  hold  with  such  precipitancy,,  that  they  ha4 


^1 


m, 


'H 


!!;:l 


m^ 


t  .if^ 


IP 


liii!' 


i  i 


i!l 


|l  \ 


2d4 


HSSTORY  OF  THE  WAB. 


not  time  to  strike  their  colors.  The  Eagle  had  on 
board  a  32  pound  brass  howitzer,  loaded  with  shot; 
but  their  surprise  was  so  sudden  that  they  had  not 
time  to  fire  it.  The  crew  consisted  of  a  master,  one 
midshipman,  and  11  marines  from  the  Poictiers. 
The  prize  arrived  at  Whitehall,  amidst  the  shouts  of 
thousands  who  were  celebrating  the  4th  of  July. 

CAPTURE  OP  THE  BOXER. 

Lievt.  M*  Calif  to  the  Seeretaty  of  the  Navy. 
U.  S.  Brig  Enterprizey  Portland^  ^th  Sept.  1813. 

SIR — In  consequence  of  the  unfortunate  death  of 
Lieut,  commandant  William  Burrows,  late  command- 
er of  this  vessel,  it  devolves  on  me  to  acquaint  you  with 
the  result  of  the   cruize.     After  sailing  from   Ports- 
mouth on  the  ist  inst,  we  steered  to  the  eastward ; 
and  oh  the  morning  of  the  3d,  off  Wood  Island,  dis- 
covered a  schooner,  which  we  chased  into  this  harbor, 
wlier«  we  anchored.     On  the   morning  of  the  4th, 
weighed  anchor  and  swept  out,   and   continued  our 
course  to  the  eastward.     Having  received   informa- 
tion of  several    privateers  being  off  Manhagan,  we 
stood  for  that  place ;  and  on  the  following  morning, 
in  the  b»y  near  Penguin  Point,  discovered  a  brig  get- 
ting under  way,  which  appeared  to  be  a  vessel  of  war, 
and  tc     hich  we  immediately  gave  chase.     She  fired 
several  guns  and  stood  for  us,   having  four  ensigns 
hoisted.     After  reconnoitering  and  discovering   her 
force,  and  tlie  nation  to  which  she  belonged,  we  haul- 
ed upon  a  wind    to  stand   out  of  the  bay,  and  at  3 
o'clock  shortened  sail,  tacked  to  run  down  with  an  in- 
tention to  bring  her  to  close  action.     At  twenty  min>- 
ules  after  3  P.  M.  when  within  half  pistol  shot,   the 
tiring  commenced  from  both,  and  after  being  warmly 
kept  up,  and  with  some  manoeuvring,  the  enemy  hail- 
ed and  said  they   had  surrendered,  about  4  P.  M. — 
their  colors  hein;^  nailed  to  the  tnastSj  could  not  be 
hauled  down.    She  proved  to  be  his  B.  M.  brig  Box- 
er, of  14  guns,   Samuel  BIythe,  esq.   commander, 
who  fell  in  the  early  part  of  the  engagement,  having 


HISTORY  OF  THB  WAR. 


2d0 


received  a  cannon  shot  through  the  body-  And  I  am 
sorry  to  add  that  Lieut.  Burrows,  who  had  gallantly 
led  us  into  action,  fell  also  about  the  same  time  by  a 
musket  ball,  which  terminated  his  existauce  in  eight 
hours. 

The  Enterprise  suffered  much  in  spara  and  rigging, 
and  the  Boxer  in  spars,  rigging  and  hull,  having 
many  siiots  between  wind  and  water. 

As  no  muster  roll  that  can  be  fully  relied  on  has 
come  into  my  possession,  I  cannot  exactly  state  tlie 
number  killed  and  wounded  on  board  the  Boxer,  but 
from  information  received  from  the  officers  of  that 
vessel,  it  appears  there  were  between  twenty  and 
twenty-five  killed,  and  fourteen  wounded.  Enclosed 
in  a  list  of  the  killed,  and  wounded  on  board  the  £n- 
ferprze.     I  have  the  bono;  tc  ':?.  &c. 

EDWARD  R.  M'CALL,  Senior  Officer.    . 

.  ■  ■>  • 

AMERICAN  LOSS.  ^   >t    ,     > 

Killed  4,— Wounded,  10,— total  14.      "       , 

BRITISH  LOSS.  u,u 

Killed  25,— Wounded,  14,— total  30.     .,    ,/ 


1 


m'U 


:li 


<     I 


CHAPTER  IX. 


PERRY'S  VICTORY. 

Com.  Perry  to  the  Secretary  of  tfte  Navy. 
U.  S.  brig  Niagara,  Lake  £rie,'Sept.  10, 1813. 
SIR — It  has  pleased  the  Almighty  to  give  to  the 
arms  of  the  U.  States  a  signal  victory  over  their  ene* 
mies  on  this  lake.  The  British  squadron  consisting 
of  2  ships,  2  brigs,  1  schooner,  and  one  sloop,  have 
this  moment  surrendered  to  the  force  under  my  com- 
mand,  after  a  sharp  conflict.  I  have  the  honor  to 
bc,&c.  O.H.PERRY, 


lv*> 


. ,-  :i.t:»i  •<».-J  »»  i  \\  iiy «. 


;H 


'H 


'f    M 


266 


mSTORY  OF  THE  WAH. 


Hi:i|!i|| 


M!::i 


Com.  Perry  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 
V.  S.sch.  Ariel,  Put-in-bay ,'Sept.  13, 1813. 
SIR — In  my  last  I  infonned  you  that  we  had  cari^ 
tured  the  e>iemy*8  fleet  on  this  lake,  t  have  now  the 
honor  to  give  you  the  most  imijortant  particulars  of 
the  action.  On  the  morning  of  the  10th  inst.  at  sun- 
rise,  they  were  discovered  from  Put-iu-Bay,  where  I 
lay  at  anchor  with  the  squadron  under  my  command. 
We  gfot  under  weig^h,  the  wind  ligfht  at  S.  W.  aitd 
stood  tor  them.  At  10  A.  M .  the  wind  hauled  to  S: 
£.  and  brought  us  to  windward  ;  formed  the  line  and 
bore  up.  At  15  minutes  before  twelve,  the  eneitiy 
commenced  firing  ;  at  5  minuter  before  twelve  the 
action  commenced  on  our  part,  f^iliding  their  fire 
Yery  destructive,  owing  to  their  long  gufis,  audits  be^ 
ing  mostly  directed  at  the  Lawrence,!  made  sail,  and 
directed  the  other  vessels  to  follow  for  the  purpose  of 
closing  with  the  enemy.  Every  brace  xi/cxA  bowline 
being  soon  shot  away,  &4ie  becarhe  unmanageable, 
notwithstanding  the  great  exertions  of  the  sailing- 
master.  Ill  this  situation  she  sustained  the  action  up- 
wards of  two  hours  within  canister  distance,  until  eve- 
ry gun  was  rendered  useless,  and  the  greater  part  of 
her  crew  either  killed  or  wounded.  Finding  she 
could  no  longer  annoy  the  enemy,  I  left  her  in  charge 
of  Lieut.  Yarnall,  who,  I  was  convinced  from  the 
bravery  already  displayed  by  him,  would  do  what 
would  comport  with  the  honor  of  the  flag.  At  half 
past  two,  the  wind  springing  up,  Gapt.  Elliott,  was 
enabled  to  bring  his  vessel,  the  Niagara,  giillantly  in- 
to close  action  ;  I  immediately  w^nt  on  board  of  her, 
wlienhe  anticipated  my  wish  by  volunteering  to  bring 
the  schooners  which  had  been  kepi  astern  by  the  light- 
ness of  the  wind,  into  close  action.  It  was  with  un- 
speakable pain  that  I  saw  soon  after  I  got  on  board 
the  Ningaru,  the  flag  of  the  Lawrence  comedown, 
although  I  was  perfectly  sensible  that  she  had  been 
defended  to  the  last,  and  that  to  have  continued  to 
make  a  show  of  resistance  would  have  been  a  wanton 
sacrifice  of  the  remains  of  her  brave  crew.     But  the 


Ml. 


!l! 


BISTORT  OF  THE  WAB. 


3^7 


enemy  was  not  able  to  take  possessiun  of  her,  and 
circumstanees  suon  permitted  her  Aug  again  to  be  hoist- 
ed. At  45  minutes  past  2  the  signal  was  made  fur 
*  close  action.'  The  Niagara,  being  very  little  injur- 
ed, I  determined  to  pass  through  the  enemy's  lines, 
boire  up  and  .passed  ahead  of  their  two  ships  and  a 
brig,  giving  a  raking  fire  to  them  from  the  .starboard 
ffuns,  and  to  a  large  schooner,  and  sloop,  from  the 
hrboard  side,  at  half  pistol-shot  distance.  The  smal- 
ler vessels  at  this  time  having  got  within  grape  and 
Canister  distance,  (iidder  the  direction  of  Capt.  Elliott, 
and  keeping  up  a  well  directed  fire,  the  2  ships,  a  brig, 
and  a  schiiioner,  surrendered,  a  schooner  and  sloop, 
making  a  vain  attempt  to  escape. 

Those  officers  and  men  who  were  immediately  un- 
^er  my  observation  evinced  the  greatest  galla.itry,  and 
i  have  no  doubt  that  all  others  conducted  themselves 
as  became  American  officers  and  seamen.  Lieut. 
Yarnall,  first  of  the  Lawrence,  although  several  times 
wounded,  refused  to  quit  the  deck. 

i  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you  a  return  of  the  kil- 
led and  wounded,  together  with  a  statement  of  th« 
relative  force  of  the  squadrons.  The  Capt.  and  firsfc 
Lit'Ut.  of  the  Q,ueen  Charlotte,  and  fiirst  Lieut,  of  the 
Detroit  were  killed-^— Capt.  Barclay,  senior  officer, 
and  ihit  commander  of  the  Lady  t*revost,  severely 
wounded.  The  commanderof  the  Hunter  and  Chip- 
peway  slightly  wounded.  Their  toss  in  killed  and 
wounded  I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain,  it  mu8t 
however  have  been  very  great. 

Very  respectfully.  8cc.  ,. 

O.  H.  PERRY.     . 

U.  S.  Schooner  Ariel,  Put-in-bay,  Sept.  13, 1813. 
SIR — I  have  caused  the  prisoners  taken  on  the  10th 
inst.  to  be  landed  at  Sandusky,  and  have  requested 
Gen.  Harrison  to  have  them  marched  to  Chilicothe, 
and  there  wait  until  your  pleasure  shall  he  known  re- 
specting them.  ,] 

33  >        ..    ■". 


[  I 


if 


:.li 


»'^ 


/   : 


238 


HISTORY  OF  TBB  V    IR. 


The  Lawrence  has  been  so  entirely  cut  up,  it  is 
absolutely  necessary  she  shiOuM  go  into  ft  safe  harbor : 
t  have  therefure  iMrected  Lieut.  Varnall  to  {Proceed 
to  Erie  in  her,  with  !he  wounded  of  the  fleet,  aiid  dis- 
mantle and  get  her  over  the  bar  ais  soon  as  possible. 

The  two  ships  in  a  heavv  sea  this  day  at  anchor 
lost  their  inasts,  being  much  injured  \h  the  action. 
I  shall  haul  them  into  tlie  inner  bay  at  this  place  and 
mook'  them  for  the  present.  The  Detroit  is  a  re- 
markably fine  ship,  sails  well,  and  is  very  strongly 
1>uilt.  The  Queen  Charlotte  is  a  much  superior  ves- 
sel to  what  has  been  represmited.  The  Lady  P^evost 
is  a  large  tine  schooner.  ^  ;' 

I  also  beg  your  inStructi(>ns  re8'|[)^tin|f  thb  Wd'vnd- 
ed.  I  am  satisfied,  sir,  that  whatever  steps  I  might 
take  governed  by  humanity,  would  meet  your  appro- 
bation, tinder  this  impression,  I  have  taken  Upon 
"myself  to  promise  Capt.  Barclay,  who  is  very  dangelr- 
ously  wounded,  that  he  shall  be  landed  as  near  lake 
Ontario  as  possible,  and  I  had  no  doubt  you  Would 
allow  me  to  parole  him.  He  is  under  the  impression 
that  nothing  but  leaving  this  part  of  the  country  will 
save  his  life.  Th^re  i^  also  a  number  of  Canadian!) 
among  the  prisoners^  many  wh6  have  familieis. 
*  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c, 

.0.  H.  PERRY. 


r '..,-. 


^'  Statement  of  the  Jbrce  of  the  Ainerican  smtadron 
"Lawrence  20  guns —Niagara  20 — Caledonia  3— 
Ariel  4 — Scorpion  2— ^Somers  4— Trippe  1 — 
Tigress  1 — ^Porcupine  1-; — ^totalM  guns. 

Statement  of  the  force  oftfte  British  squadron. 
Detroit  2 1^un» — Q,Ueen.  Charlotte  18 — Lady  Pre- 
Vost  14— Hunter  10 — Little  Belt  3— Chippeway  3— 
'total  63  guns. 

The  exact  number  of  the  enehiy's  force  has  not 
been  Ascertained,  but  1  have  good  reason  to  believe 
that  it  exceeded  ours  by  nearly  100  men. 


oit  is  n  re< 


HISTORY  or  THE,  WAJft,. 


W» 


AMERICAN  I.OSS. 

Killed  on  bnar4  fhe  Lawrence,  22,  Wounded  (il. 
^if^gara  2 ;  Wounded  26-r-Cal|edonia  Wounded  3. 
Somefs  2  wounded-:: Ariel  I$[il)ed  1,  Wounded  S.-^- 
Trippe  wounded  2— nScorpiou  {billed  2- — total  killed 
and  wounded  123. 

CAPTURE  OF  THE  DQMIN|CO.  > 

Capt.  John  H'  Dent  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  : 


€hai)e8top,  Aug.  2 J,  1813 


thai  the 


[Extract]  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you 
privateer  schooner  Decatur,  of  this  port^  arriv'td  here 
yesterday*  with  H.  B.  M.  {schooner  Dominiv'  o,  her 
priae. 

3he  was  captured  on  the  IStfa  ipst.  after  a  most 
gallant  and  desperate  action  of  on^  hour,  and  carried 
by  boarding,  paving  all  her  officers  killed  or  wound- 
ed except  one  ipidshipman.  The  Dominico  mounts 
15  guns,  one  a  32  pounder  on  a  pivot,  and  had  a  com- 
plement of  88  men  at  the  commencepnent  of  th^  action, 
60  of  wbonpk  were  killed  or  wounded. 

She  was  one  of  the  best  equipped  and  ni.inncd 
yessels  of  her  cl^$  I  have  ever  seen.  The  Decatur 
mounts  7  guns,  and  had  a  complement  of  103  men  at 
the  commencement  of  the  action,  nineteen  of  whom 
were  killed  and  wounded. 

I  have  the  hopor  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  H.  DENT. 
Killed  on  board  the  Decatur  5 — wounded  lo. 

Killed  on  board  the  Dominico  18 — wounded  42.   i 

capture:  of  malden. 

Cren.  Harrison  to  the  Secretary  of  War.  > 

Head'Quarters  Amherstburg,  Sept.  23,  1813. 
SIR—I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  I  landed 
the  army  under  my  command  about  3  miles  below 
this  place  at  3  o'clock  this  evening,  without  opposition, 
aud  took  possession  of  the  town  in  an  hour  after. 
Gen.  Proctor  has  retreated  to  Sandwich  with  his  reg- 
ular troops  and  Indians,  having  previously  burned 
the  fort,  navy  yard,  barracks  and  public  store  houses; 


'!-■  Uii 


{ 


if 


r> 


i;  " 


it 


!.^.:i.| 


W 


i 


:/! 


'i 


Hi 


Ml 


iriil; 


■',  * 


260 


HISTORY  OV  TUB  W/^«. 


the  two  latter  were  very  irilHiii;v;e,  coverirrp"  several 
iicreH  of  ground.  I  will  fursiie  t!)»  enemy  to-r»  'irrow, 
although  there  isiso  probability  oi'  tnyuvertnls-iUghim 
as  he  has  upwards  of  one  thousand  horses^  nnd\»d 
have  not  one  in  the  army.  J  shrtll  think  myself  ibrtu- 
nale  to  be  ai)!e  to  collect  aHufficiency  to  mount  the 
General  officers.  !t  is  su\»posed  here  thrlGeii.  Proc- 
tpr  intends  to  establish  himself  upon  the  viver  liVench, 
forU  miles  from  Maiden.  I  hiive  t''  honor,  Sce. 
■■^  WILLIAM  H.  tlAldHKSON. 

HARRISON'S  VICTORY. 

Clen.  Harrison  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 
Head-Quurtera,  Detroit,  Oct.  9,  1813. 

SIR — In  my  letter  from  Sandwich  of  theSOth  ulr 
timo,  I  did  myself  the  honortp  inform  you,  that  I  wasi 
preparing  to  pursue  the  enemy  the  following  day. 
From  various  causes,  however  I  was  unable  to  put  the 
troops  in  motion  until  the  morning  of  the  2d  inst.  and 
then  to  take  with  me  only  about  one  hundred  and  for- 
ty of  the  regular  troops,  Johnson*>i  mounted  regiment 
and  such  of  Governor  Shelby's  volunteers  as  were  fit 
for  a  rapid  march,  the  whole  amounting  to  about 
three  thousand  five  hundred  men.  To  Gen.  M'Ar- 
thur  (with  about  700  effectives)  the  protecting  of  this 
place  and  the  sick  was  committed.  Gen.  C&ss's  brig- 
ade, and  the  corps  of  Lieut.  Col.  Ball  were  left  at 
Sandwich,  with  orders  to  follow  me  as  soon  as  the 
men  received  their  knapsacks  and  blankets,  which 
had  been  letlt  on  wn  island  in  Lake  Erie. 

The  unavoidable  delay  at  Sandwich  was  attended 
"with  no  disadvantage  to  us.  Gen.  Proctor  had  post- 
ed himself  at  Dalsnn's  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Thames 
(or  Trench)  fifty  six  miles  from  this  place^  where  I 
"was  informed  he  intended  to  fortify  and  wait  to  re- 
ceive me.  He  mi)st  have  believed,  however,  that  I 
had  no  disposition  to  follow  him,  or  that  he  had  se- 
cured my  continuance  here,  by  the  reports  that  were 
circulated  that  the  Indians  would  attack  and  destroy 
this  place  upon  the  advance  of  the  army  ',  as  he  neg- 


HISTORT  OF  THE  WAR. 


261 


mg  several 

to-w  'irrow, 

r^.akin^hiin 

ies»  :md  v»  d 

lyself  ibrttt- 

niomit  the 

Geii.  Proc- 

»er  t>Veiich« 

or,  Sec. 

HKSON. 

r.  •       ^-^ 

War. 
,9,  1813. 
the  Spth  ulr 
that  1  wsu» 
owing  day. 
le  to  put  the 
idinst.  and 
"ed  aiid  for- 
|d  regiment 
I  as  were  fit 
^  to  about 
3en.  M'Ar- 
ting  of  this 
ZJfiSs's  brig- 
i^ere  left  at 
oon  as  the 
ets,   which 

s  attended 
r  had  post- 
le  Thames 
e,  where  I 
wait  to  re- 
iver,  that  I 
le  had  se- 
that  were 
nd  destroy 
as  he  neg- 


lected to  commence  the  breaking  up  the  bridges  until 
the  night  of  the  2d  inst.  On  that  night  our  army 
reached  the  river,  which  is  twenty-live  miles  from 
Sandwich  and  is  one  of  4  Htreams  crossing  our  route, 
over  all  of  which  are  bridges,  and  being  deep  and 
muddy,  are  unfordable  for  a  'consideroble  distance 
into  the  country — the  bridge  here  was  found  entire, 
and  in  the  morning  I  proceeded  with  Johnson^s  regi- 
ment to  save  if  possible  the  others.  At  the  second 
bridge  over  a  branch  of  the  river  Thames,  we  were 
fortunate  enough  to  capture  a  Lieut,  of  dragoons  and 
eleven  privates,  who  had  been  sent  by  Gen.  Proctor 
to  destroy  them.  From  the  prisoners  I  learned  that 
the  third  bridge  was  broken  up  and  that  the  enemy 
had  no  certain  information  of  our  advance.  The 
bridge  having  been  imperfectly  destroyed,  was  soon 
repaired  and  the  army  encamped  at  Drake's  farm, 
feurmiles  below  Dalson's. 

The  river  Thames,  along  the  banks  of  which  our 
route  lay,  is  a  fine  deep  stream,  navigable  for  vessels 
of  considerable  burden,  after  the  passage  of  the  bar 
at  its  mouth  over  which,  there  is  six  and  a  half  feet 
water. 

The  baggage  of  the  army  was  brought  from  De- 
troit in  boats,  protected  by  three  gun-boats,  which 
Com.  Perry  had  furnished  for  the  purpose,  as  well  as 
to  cover  the  passage  of  the  army  over  the  Thames  it- 
self, or  the  mouths  of  its  tributary  streams;  the  banks 
being  low  and  the  country  generally  0|>en.(praaries) 
as  high  as  Dalson's,  these  vessels  were  well  calculat- 
jed  for  that  purpose.  Above  Dalson's  however,  the 
character  of  the  river  and  adjjcent  country  us  consid- 
erably changed. — The  former,  though  still  deep,  is 
very  narrow  and  its  banks  high  ana  woody.  The 
Commodore  and  myself  therefore  agreed  upon  thie 
propriety  of  leaving  the  boats  under  a  guard  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  infantry,  and  I  determined  to  trust 
to  fortune  and  the  bravery  of  my  troops  to  effect  the 
passage  of  then  ver.  Below  a  place  called  Chatham 
and  4  miles  ^bove  Dalsou's  is  the  third   aniordable 


I  f 


;^-^ 


M  -i 


h 


a 


'Nk   ■* 


BISTOEV  OV  THft  WAR. 

^ranc|i  of  the  'if'hai^es ;  the  bridge  over  jts  mouth 
b^d  \ieea  ta^eii  pp  \}y  {\\e  Indians)*    as  well  as  that  at 
^*C|regor*i|]\|iils  one  mile  Mbove-severt^l  hundred  of 
ti)e  Indians  remained  to  dispute  our  pass^age,  and  upon 
t|ie  arrival  of  (he  advanced  guard,  commenred  a  hea? 
vy  fire  from  the  oppoi^ile  bank  of  the  cre^k  as  well  as 
that  of  the  liver.  I^elieveing  that  the  whole  force  of  the 
enemy  was  th^e,  )  halted  the  army,  formed  in  order 
of  h^ttle,  ttnd  brought  i|p  our  two  six  poqnders  to  cover 
the  par^y  tb^t  were  ordered  to  repair  the  bridgfe— a  few 
^l^ot  from  those  pieces,  soon  drqve  offth^  Indians 
^nd  enabled  i)s,  in  two  hours  to  Repair  the  bridge  and 
f  rofs  the  troops,    Cpl.  Johnson's  mounted  regiment 
l^ng  upon  the  fight  qf  the  army,  ji^d  seized  upon  the 
remains  of  thiQ  bridge  at  the  mills  ^ind^r  a  heavy  fire 
fifom  th^  Indians*    Qurlosson  this  occasion,  ^as 
two  killed  and  three  or  four  woupded,  th^t  of  the  ene- 
my  was  ascertained  to  be  conidderably  greater.    A 
Ifoqse  nisar  t|ie  bridge  containing  a  very   considerable 
piiniber  of  mu^ket^  had  b^eii  ^eton  fire — but  it  was 
f^lingttished  by  our  troops  and  the  arms  saved.     At 
Uie  first  farm  above  the  bridge,  we  found  one  of  the 
enemy's  vessels  on  fire,  loaded   with  arms  •  and   ord- 
nance stores,  and  learned  that  they   were  a  few  miles 
^ead  of  us,  still  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river  with 
the  great   body  of  the  Ipdians.     At  Bowles'  farm, 
four  miles  from  the  brdge  we  haulted  for  the  night, 
found  two  other  vessel^  and  a  large  distillery  filled 
-with  ordnance  and  other  valu^le  stores  to  an   im- 
mence  amount  in  Qapesrr-it  was  impossible  to  put 
out  the  firerrrtwo  twenty-fpnr  pounders  with  their  car- 
riages were  taken .  and  a  large  quiantity  of  ball  and 
shells  of  various  sizes.    The  army  was  put  in  motion 
early  on  the  morning  of  the  5\h,  I  pushed  on  in  advance 
with  the  mounted  regiment  and  requested  Governor 
Shelby  to  follow  as  e^i^pediliously  as  possible  with  the 
infantry,  the  Governor's  zfial  and  that  of  his  men  en- 
abled them  to  jkeep   up  with  the  cavalry,  and,  by  9 
o'clock,  we  were  at  Arnold's   Mills   having  taken  in 
the  course  of  the  piorning  two  gun-boats  and   several 
batteaux  loaded  with  provisions  and  ammunition. 


litsToi^Y  W  Tikfi  ivAik, 


^ 


Atr&pid  at  the  river  \\i  Arhold'sm'ills  affdrdik  the  oh^ 
)y  fording  to  be  ihet  with  tbr  a  considerable  distance, 
but,  upon  examination,  it  was  found  to6  d^ep  for  thb 
iiii^nWy.  Having,  ho^evek*,  fbrtiina'tely  takeh  Wo 
or  three  boats  and  sohie  Indian  caAoeA  'oh  the  spot, 
and  obliged  the  hor^efmen  to  take  a  foot-man  behind 
etich,  the  ^\i6\e  were  safbly  crosihed  by  12  o'clock. 
Eight  miles  frbm  the  crossing  we  passed^  farm, 
where  ik  part  of  th^  British  troops  had  encaAijied  iht 
night  before,  under  the  command  of  Col.  VVarburtoh. 
The  detachmrent  With  Gen.  PrOetor  had  arrived  th6 
day  before  at  the  Moravian  toWns,  4  mile^  higher  up. 
Being  now  certainly  near  the  enemy,  I  directed  the 
advance  of  Johnson's  regiment  to  accelerate  their 
march  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  intelligence'. 
The  officer  commanding  it,  in* a  shoit  tim^  scfnl  tOin- 
form  me,  that^his  progress  Was  stopped  by  the  enemy, 
who  Were  formed  across  Our  Kne  of  mkrjh.  'Oilie  of 
the  enemy's  waggonersbeing  ^Iso  takeh  prisoner,  from 
the  information  received  fi-om  hittt,  and  my  own  ob- 
servation,  aitsisted  by  some  of  my  oAiceiis,  I  soon  as- 
certained enough  of  their  position  and  order  of  bat'tliJ, 
to  determine  that,  Which  it  was  proper  for  me  to  adopt. 

1  have  the  honor  herewith  to  enclose  you  iny  gene- 
ral order  of  the  !27th  'ult.  pri^scribing  the  drder  Of 
march,  and  of  battle  when  thc^  whole  army  shdtildiict 
together.  But  as  the  number  and  description  of  the 
troops  had  been  essentially  chkngfed,  sihce  the  iiiisuing 
of  the  order,  it  became  necessary  lo  make  a  corres- 
ponding alteration  in  their  disposition.  Fi'Om  the . 
place  where  our  army  was  last  halted,  to  the  Moravian 
towns  a  distance  of  about  three  aiid  a  half  miles,  the 
i'oad  passes  through  a  beach  forest  without  any  clear- 
ing, and  for  the  first  tu  o  miles  near  to  ihe  bank  of  the 
river.  At  frOm  two  to  300  yards  froiti  the  river,  a 
swamp  extends  parallel  to  it,  throughout  the  whole 
distance.  The  interinediate  ground  is  dry,  and  al- 
though the  trees  are  tolerably  thick,  it  is  in  many  pea- 
ces clear  of  underbrush.  Across  this  strip  of  lana,  it» 
left  appayed  upon  the  river,  supported  by  artillerv 


,1  \\ 


w.\ 


■I 
\ 

! 


H  i 


l,H     J 


664 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WilB. 


g laced  in  the  wood,  iheir  right  in  the  swamp  covered 
y  the  whole  of  the  Indian  ioicvp  the  British  troops 
were  drawn  up.  .  ,,.  . 

The  troops  at  my  disposal  consisted  of  about  120 
rey^ulars  of  the  27tn  reg^t.  five  brigades  of  Kentucky 
\oTunteer  militia  iufaiitry,  under  his  Excellency  Gov. 
Slielbvt  averaging  less  than  five  hundred  men,  and 
Cut.  Johnsoii's  regiment  of  mounted  Infantry,  making 
in  the  whole  an  aggregate  something  amal  dO(H). 
No  disposition  uf  an  ai-niy  opposed  to  an  Indian  force 
can  be  safe  luilt  ss  it  is  securi'd  on  the  flanks  and  in 
the  rear.  I  had  therefore  no  difficulty  in  arranging 
the  Int'antry  cont'ormubly  to  my  general  order  of  but- 
tle. Gen.  Trotter's  brigade  ot  dUO  men,  formed  the 
front  hue,  his  right  upon  the  road  aud  his  letl  upon  the 
swamp.  Gen.  King's  brigade  as  a  second  line,  150 
yards  in  the  rear  of  Trotter  s,  and  Chiles'  brigade  as  a 
corps  of  reserve  in  the  rear  of  it.  Tnese  three  brig- 
ades furnied  the  command  ot  Major-General  Henr^f ; 
the  whole  of  Gen.  Desha's  divison,  consisting  of  two 
brigades,  were  funned  en  putence  upon  the  tet\  of 
Trotter. 

Whilst  I  was  engaged  in  forming  the  Infantry,  I 
had  directed  Col.  Johnson's  regiment,  which  was  still 
in  front,  to  be  formed  in  two  lines  opposite  to  the  en- 
emy, and  upon  the  advance  of  the  Infaiitry,  to  take 
g)  oiind  to  the  left,  and  forming  upon  that  Hunk  to  en- 
deiivor  to  turn  the  right  of  the  Indians.  A  moment's 
reflection,  however,  convinced  me  that  from  the  thick- 
ness of  the  woods  andswampness  of  the  ground,  they 
would  be  unable  to  do  any  thing  on  hurseback,  and 
there  was  no  time  to  dismount  them  and  place  Iheir 
horses  in  security.  I  therefore  determined  to  refuse 
my  left  to  the  Indians,  and  to  break  the  British  lines 
at  once  by  a  charge  of  the  mounted  Infantry  ;  the 
measure  was  not  sanctioned  by  any  thing  I  had  ever 
seen  or  heard  of,  but  I  was  fully  convinced  that  it 
would  succeed.  The  American  back  woodsmen 
ride  better  in  the  woods  than  any  oiher  people.  A 
musket  or  rifle  is  no  impediment  to  them,  being  ac- 


M 


1  I        ! 


MiU 


nrSTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


idd 


Mstomecl  to  them  from   their  earliest  yoath.     I  was 
persiiiidied,  too,  that  the  enemy  would  be  quite  mipre- 

Enred  for  the  shuck,  niid  that  they  could  not  resist  it. 
lonformable  to  this  idea,  I  directed  the  regriment  to 
be  drawn  up  in  clonic  column,  with  itM  right  at  the  dis- 
tance of  50  yards  from  the  road,  (that  it  might  be,  in 
9ome  measure,  protected  by  the  trees  from  the  artiU 
lery)  its  left  upon  the  swamp,   and  to  charge  at  full 
upeed  as  soon  as  the  enemy  had  delivered  their  fire. 
The  few  regular  troops  of  the  27th  regiment,  under 
Col.  Paul,  occupied  in  a  column  of  sections  of  fou5 
the  sQdall  space  between  the  road  and  the  river,  for 
the  purpose  of  seizing  the  enemy's  artillery,  and  some 
ten  or  twelve  friendly  Indians  to  move  under  the  bank« 
The  crotchet  formed  by  the  front  line  and  Gen.  De- 
sha's division,  was  an  important  point.     At  that  place 
the  venerable  Governor  of  Kentucky  was  posted,  who 
at  the  age  of  sixty-six  preserves  all  the  vigor  of  youth, 
the  ardent  zeal  which  distinguished  him  in  the  revo- 
lutionary war,  and  the  undaunted  bravery   which  he 
manifested  at  King's  mountain.      With  my  aids  de 
cauif),  the  acting  assistant  Acy.  General,  Capt.  Butler, 
my  gallant  friend  Com.  Ferry,  who  did  me  the  honor 
to  serve  as  my   volunteer  aid  de  camp,  and  Brig. 
Gen.  Cass,  who  having  no  command,  tendered  me 
his  assistance,  I  placed  myself  at  the  head  of  the  front 
line  of  Infantry,  to  direct  the  movements  of  the  cav- 
alry, and  give  them  the  necessary  support. 

The  army  had  moved  on  in  this  order  but  a  short 
distance,  when  the  mounted  men  received  the  fire  of 
the  British  line,  and  were  ordered  to  charge ;  the 
horses  in  the  front  of  the  column  recoiled  from  the 
fire;  another  was  given  by  the  enemy,  and  our  col- 
umn at  length  getting  in  motion,  broke  through  the 
enemy  with  irresistable  force.  In  one  minute  the 
contest  in  front  was  over :  the  British  officers  seeing 
no  hope  of  reducing  their  disordered  ranks  to  order, 
and  our  mounted  men  wheeling  upon,  them  and  pour- 
ing in  a  destructive  fire,  immediately  surrendered. 
It  IS  certain  that  three  only  of  our  troops  were  wound- 
34 


I'  I 


I 


f 


At 


\m^^^ 


I  1; 


f 

1   M|:|:  ill 

200 


IIISTORT  OF  THE  WAR. 


ed  in  this  charge.  Upon  the  left  however,  tlie  con« 
test  wa»  more  severe  with  the  Indians.  Col.  John- 
son,  who  commanded  on  thai  flank  of  bis  regiment, 
received  a  most  galling  fire  from  them,  v/lnth  was 
returned  with  great  eflect.  The  Indians  still  further 
to  the  right  advanced  and  fell  in  with  our  front  line 
of  Infantry,  near  its  junction  with  Desha's  division, 
and  for  a  moment  made  an  impression  upon  it.  His 
Excellency  Gov.  Shelbv,  however,  brought  up  n  regi- 
Ment  to  its  support,  and  the  enemy  receiving  a  severe 
fire  in  front,  and  a  part  of  Johnson's  regiment  having 
gained  their  rear,  retreated  with  precipitation.  Their 
loss  was  very  considerable  in  the  action,  and  many 
were  killed  in  their  retreat 

In  can  give  no  satisfactory  information  ofthenunv- 
ber  of  Indians  that  were  in  the  action,  but  they  must 
have  been  considerably  upwards  of  1000.  From  the 
documents  in  my  possession,  (Gen.  Proctor's  ofiicial 
letters,  all  of  which  were  taken)  and  from  the  infor- 
mation of  respectable  inhabitants  of  this  Territory,  the 
Indians  kept  in  pay  by  the  British  were  much  more 
numerous  than  has  been  generally  supposed.  In  a 
letter  to  Gen.  de  Rottenburgh,  of  the  27th  ult.  Gen. 
Proctor  speaks  of  having  prevailed  upon  3,200  of  the 
Indians  to  accompany  him.  Of  these  it  is  certain  that 
50  or  00  Wyandot  warriors  abandoned  him. 

The  number  of  our  troops  were  certainly  greater 
than  that  of  the  enemy,  but  when  it  is  recollected,  that 
they  had  taken  a  position  that  efiectually  secured  their 
flank,  which  it  was  impossible  for  us  to  turn,  and  that 
we  could  not  present  to  them  a  line  more  extended 
than  their  own,  it  will  not  be  considered  arrogant  to 
claim  for  my  troops  the  palm  of  superior  bravery. 

In  communicating  to  tne  President  through  you,  sir, 
my  opinion  of  the  conductof  the  officers  who  served  un- 
der me,  I  am  at  a  loss  how  to  mention  that  of  Gov. 
Shelby,  being  convinced  that  no  eulogium  of  mine  can 
reach  his  merits.  The  Governor  of  an  independent 
state,  greatly  my  superior  in  years,  experience,  and 
in  military  character,  he  placed  himself  under  my 


UlttTORY  OF  TUB  WAB. 


367 


r 


command,  nnd  wm  not  more  remarkable  for  his  zeal 
and  activity,  than  for  the  promptitude  and  cheerful- 
ness with  which  he  obeyed  my   orders. 

I  loft  the  armv  before  an  official  return  of  the  pris- 
oners,  or  that  or  the  killed  and  wounded,  was  made 
out.  It  was  however  ascertained  that  the  former 
amounts  to  000  regulars,  including  23  officers.  Our 
loss  is  7  killed  and  22  wounded,  &  of  which  have 
since  died.  Of  the  British  12  killed,  and  '22  wound- 
ed. The  Indians  suffered  most,  100  of  them  having 
been  found  upon  the  ground,  including  those  killed  un 
the  retreat. 

On  the  day  of  the  action,  6  pieces  of  brass  artillery 
were  taken,  and  two  iron  24  pounders  the  day  before. 
Several  others  were  discovered  in  the  river  and  can  be 
easily  procured.  Of  the  brass  pieces,  three  are  the 
trophies  of  our  revolutionary  war,  that  were  taken  at 
Saratoga  and  York,  and  surrendred  by  General  Hull. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  <Scc. 

WILLIAM  H.  HAHRISON.^ 

The/ruita  of  Gen.  Harrison's  victory,  independent 
of  the  great  advantages  obtained,  are  ot  the  British  re- 
gular army,  609  non-commissioned  officers  and  pri- 
vates, 2  Colonels, :4  Majors,  and  10  officers  of  the  line, 
prisoners ;  and  12  pieces  of  cannon,  6000  stands  of 
arms,  5  Gun-Boats,  and  ammunition  and  stores  tu 
the  amount  of  1,000,000  of  Dollars!!  , ,,  ^ 

SPEECH  OP  TECUMSEH.*    ""  * 

In  the  name  of  the  Indian  chiefs  and  warriors,  to 
Mt^.  Gen,  Proctor,  as  the  representative  oj   their, 

f'eat  father— fluking, 
ather,  listen  to  your  children  !  You  have  them 
now  all  before  you. 

The  war  before  this,  our  British  father  gave  the 
hatchet  to  his  red  children,  when  our  chiefs  were  alive. 

■  .    ■  .  • 

«  Tecamieli  was  killed  at  the  iMttte  of  (he  Qloravian  towns,  '; 


h 


i  il 


i 


m\  k0  \ 


26» 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR.^ 


I .  ii'' 


n  mm 


They  are  now  dead.  In  that  war,  onr  father  was 
thrown  on  his  back  by  the  Americans,  and  our  father 
took  them  by  the  hand  without  our  knowleflge ;  and 
we  are  afraid  that  our  father  will  do  ho  again  at  this 
time. 
'  Summer  before  In&t,  when  I  came  forward  with 
my  red  brethren,  and  was  ready  to  take  up  the  hatchet 
in  favor  of  our  Briti.nfa  father,  we  weretoid  't  to  be 
in  a  hurry,  that  he  had  not  yet  deteimined  to  Hg'ht  the 
American!!. 

Listen  ! — -When  war  was  declared,  our  father  stood 
up  an<i  gavr  iis  the  tomahawk,  and  told  us  that  he 
was  then  ready  to  strike  the  Americans;  that  he 
wanted  our  assistance  ;  and  that  he  would  certainly 
get  US  our  lands  back,  which  the  Americans  had  ta- 
ken from  Us. 

Listen  /—You  told  us,  at  that  time,  to  bring  for- 
urard  our  families  to  this  place  ;  and  we  did  so ;  and 
you  promised  to  take  care  of  them>  and  that  the^  should 
want  for  nothing,  while  the  men  would  go  and  fight 
the  enemy.  That  we  need  not  troublie  pursilyes 
about  the  enemy  *8  garrison  ;  that  we  knew  uotliing 
about  ihem,  and  that  our  father  would  attend  to  that 
part  of  the  business.  You  also  told  your  red  chi  tdren, 
that  you  would  take  good  care  of  your  garrison  here, 
which  made  onr  hearts  glad. 

Listen  ! — When  we  were  last  at  the  Rapids,  it  is 
true  we  gave  you  little  assistance.  It  is  hard  to  fight, 
people  who  live  like  ground  liogs. 

Father,  listen  !  Our  fleet  has  gone  out ;  we  know 
they  have  fought ;  we  have  heard  the  grea^  gUiis ; 
.but  know  nothing  of  what  has  happened  to  our  father, 
with  one  arm.  Our  ships  h^ve  gone  on^  way»  And 
"we  are  much  astonished  to  see  our  father  tying  up 
every  thing  and  preparing  to  run  away  the  other, 
without  letting  his  red  children  know  what  his  inten- 
tions are.  You  always  told  us  to  remain  here  and 
take  care  of  our  lands ;  it  made  pur  hearts  glad  to  hear 
that  w  as  your  wish.  Our  grtat  father,  the  kii>g,  is  our 
)iead,  and  you  represent  him.    You  always  toid  us. 


HISTOBT  OF  THE  WAR: 


260' 


thatyotl  wonkl  never  draw  your  foot  off  British  ground ; 
but  now,  father,  ^ve  see  you  are  drawing  back,  and 
we  are  sorry  to  see  oar  father  doing  so  without^seeing 
the  enemy.  We  must  compare  our  father's  conduct 
to  a  fat  animal,  that  carries  it)s  tail  upon  its  back,  but 
when  affrighted,  he  drops  it  between  his  legs  and 
runs  off. 

Listen^  Father  f  The  Americans  have  not  yet  de- 
feated us  by  land  ;  neither  are  we  sure  that  they  have 
done  so  by  water:  we  therefore,  wish  to  remain  here, 
and  fight  our  enemy,  if  they  should  make  their  ap- 
pearance. If  they  defeat  us,  we  will  then  retreat  with 
oarf'ather< 

At  the  battle  of  the  Rapids  last  war,  the  Ameri- 
caiMi  certainly  defeated  us  ;  and  when  we  retreated  to 
our  father*sf'ortat  that  place  the  gates  were  shut  against 
us.  We  were  afraid  that  it  would  now  be  the  case  ;  but 
instead  of  that  we  now  see  our  British  father  preparing 
to  march  out  of  his  garrison. 

Fatfter  !  You  have  got  the  arms  and  ammunition 
which  oar  great  father  sent  for  his  red  children.  If 
you  have  an  idea  of  going  away,  give  them  to  us,  and 
you  maygo  and  welcome,  for  us.  Our  lives  are  in  the 
hands  of  the  Great  Spirit.  We  are  determined  to  de- 
fend our  lands,  and  if  it  be  his  will  we  wish  to  leave 
our  bones  upon  them. 

Amherstburg,  bept.  18, 1813. 


<-J/;  ;<t),it«' 


Com.  Chauneey  to  ilte  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 
U.8.  ship  Gen.  Pike,  Sackett's  Harbor,  Oct.  6, 1813. 
SIR — I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you,  that  1  ar- 
rived here  this  morning,  with  five  of  the  enemy's  ves- 
sels, which  I  fell  in  with  and  captured  last  evening  off 
the  Ducks.  They  were  part  of  a  fleet  of  seven  sail 
wiiich  left  York  on  Sunday  with  234  troops  on  board, 
bout*  u  to  Kingston.  Of  this  fleet  five  were  captured, 
oiie  burnt,  and  one  escaped  ;  the  prisoners,  amount- 
ing to  nearly  300,  besides,  having  upwards  of  300  of 
our  troops  on  board  from  Niagara,  induced  me  to 
rui^  ii|to  port  for  (he  purpose  of  landing  bQth. 


j'f  iM 


■  i 


]  '''\- 

'  :^:   h. 

'  f' 

■I'M- 

{  ■  ■    )    ■ 

\      > 

470 


HISTORY  OF  TH£  WAH* 


11 


1  ■  i 


I  have  an  additional  pleasure  in  informing  you,  that 
amongst  the  captured  vesselii  are  the  late  U.  S.  schs. 
Julia  and  Growler,  the  others  are  gun  vessels. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 

Meiuru    of  the  troops  of  H.   B.  Ws.  De  Watte- 
vHk  regimenti  capfwed  in  the  above  vessels. 
1  Major,    1  Captain,  3  subalterns,   1  surgeon,   10 
sergeants,  4  drummers  and  buglep^,  202  rank  and 
fi!t. 

Officers  and  marines, — 1  Lieut.  2  master*s  mates, 
35  seamen  and  marines  of  the  royal  navy,  and  4  sail- 
ing masters  of  the  provincial  navy. 

J.  GIBSON,  Inspector  Gen. 

Something  SinmtUtr. — About  the  1st  of  Oct.  1813, 
Capt.  Morgan,  ofthe  rifle  corps  was  sent  from  Sa.cketts 
Harbor,  to  Gravelly  Point,  near  King$>!.on,  for  the 
purpose  of  taking  possession  of  the  Poiiu.  beeing  an 
jSuglish  schr.  gun  boat,  he  concealed  his  men,  about 
60,  and  sent  a  small  boat  along  the  shore,  which  the 
enemy  espied,  and  started  in  pursuit  of.  When 
the  enemy  came  near,  our  men  landed,  and  took  to 
Ae  woods ;  the  enemjr  camfe  near  shore,  and  sent  a 
party  after  the  fugitives,  when  Morgan's  campany 
rushed  from  their  hiding  place,  and  gave  them  so 
warm  a  reception,  as  either  to  kill  or  wound  every  one, 
as  tb«y  appeared  on  deck ;  a  few  of  our  men  waded 
out  and  toiok  possession  of  the  gunboat,  while  those  on 
shore  stood  ready  to  fire  at  the  first  man  who  made  ap- 
pearance on  deck.  We  did  not  lose  a  man  in  this  gal- 
lant little  exploit ;  the  enemy  lost  3  killed — 7  wound- 
ed, and  50  prisoners. 

Com.  Rodgers,  Sailed  from  Boston  the  28d  (ff 
April,  1813,  and  returned  to  Newport,  Sept.  26.— 
After  crossing  the  seas  in  almost  every  direction^ 
cruising  for  some  time  in  the  British  channel,  and  on 
the  coast  of  Norway,  without  seeing  a  public  yessel. 


mSTORT  OF  THE  WAR. 


«7l 


of  the  ehemyXexcepting  a  74,  and  frigate  in  company, 
which  chased  him  three  days,  often  so  near  as  to  give, 
and  redeive  a  shot,  the  Com.  returned  to  port,  to  re- 
cruit his  stores. 

The  President,  captured  the  following  vessels  on 
her  cruise. — Brig  Kitty,  of  2  guns,  and  12  men,  car- 
go of  codfish ;  sent  into  France.    Packet  Brig  Duke 
of  Montrose,  of  12  guns,  and  34  men  ;  sent  to  Eng- 
land as  a  cartel,  with  78  prisoners.     Letter  of  Marque 
Brig  Maria,  of  14  guns,  and  85  men ;  cargo  of  cod- 
fish, sent  into  France.     Schr.  Falcon,  of  2  guns,  and 
1 1  men,  cargo  of  codfish,  sent  into  France.     Brig 
Jean,  burnt.     Brig  Daphne,  of  2  guns,  and  10 men; 
sunk.     Ship  Eliza  Swan,  of  8  guns,   and  49  men  ; 
cargo  of  blubber  oil ;  ransomed  for  5000  pounds  ster- 
ling.    Brig  Albert,  cargo  of  pitch  and  tar,  burnt. 
BarqueLion,  of  8  guns,  and  53  men  ;  cargo  of  blub- 
ber oil,  ransomed  for  3000  pounds  sterling.     Brig 
Shannon,  cargo  of  rum,  sugar,  and  molasses,  sent  iiito 
the  U.  S.  Brig  Fly,  of  6  ^uns,  and  10  men ;  cargo  of 
coiFee,  sent  into  the  U.  S.  His  B.  M's  Schr.  High  Fly. 
er,  of  5  guns,  5  officers,  and  34   men,  brought  into 
Newport ;  the  High  Flyer  was  sold  at  auction  for 
eleven  thouand  Dollars. 


m 


Col.  Clarke  to  the  Secretary  of  fVar. 
Camp  Chazey-Landing,  Oct.  15,  1813. 
It  is  with  great  pleasure  I  can  inform  you  of  asuc- 
cessful  attack  upon  the  enemy  at  Massesquoi  bay  on 
the  morning  of  the  12th  inst.  At  this  lime  I  had  only 
the  riflemen  with  me,  the  artillery  moving  slow  and 
the  militia  protecting  their  rear.  We  proceeded  to 
the  village  (Massesquoi)  and  arrived  within  15  rods 
of  the  enemy  before  we  were  discovered.  We  found 
them  drawn  up  under  Major  Powell  in  a  manne'.  that 
would  have  annoyed  us  much  had  we  altark- 
ed  them  by  water,  but  wholly  unprepared  to  defend 
themselves  on  the  land  side  ;  tliey  commenced  a  iirf^ 
on  the  lefl  flank,  but  in  ten  minutes  afler  the  first  at- 
tack they  laid  down  their  arms  and  surrendered  them- 
selves prisoners  of  war. 


4 


;i.i 


in 


HISTORY  OF  TBB  WAH^ 


Understanding:  that  a  force  of  200  men  under  Col. 
Lock  was  marching  to  attack  us,  1  despatched  Capt. 
Finch  with  his  company  to  reconnoitre  them  and  us- 
oertain  their  course.  He  proceeded  with  such  prompt- 
ness and  ability  9l^  to  surprise  and  capture  the  advanc- 
ed guard,  consisting  of  cavalry,  excepting  one  niaif 
who  escaped,  and  giving  the  information  the  enemy 
retreated. 

The  prisoners  were  then  put  on  board  our  boats 

and  sent  to  Burlington.     Our  whole  force  engHs^ed 

was  102 — the  number  of  prisoners  taken  is  101 ;  their 

killed 9, and  woui)d(^d  14.  -     '' 

I  am,  sir,  with  respect,  &c. 

ISAAC  CLARKE. 

Massacre  at  fort  Tensatv. — The  following  partic- 
ulars of  the  massacre  at  fort  Tensaw,  is  received  from 
Judge  Tonlmiu  of  Mobile. 

*  The  dv"^ 'hi  catastrophe  which  we  have  been 
sometime  xpectiiig,  ha«  at  length  taken  place ;  the 
Indians  }  Hve  broken  in  upon  us  in  numbers  and  fnry 
unexam^  cd.  A  few  days  before  the  attack,  (Sept.  1) 
some  n«"^roe&  of  Mr.  Girt's  who  hved  in  that  part  oi  the 
Creek  territory  which  is  inhabited  by  half  breeds, 
had  been  sent  up  the  Alabama  to  his  plantation  for 
corn  ;  three  of  them  were  taken  by  a  party  of  Indians. 
One  escaped  and  brought  down  news  of  the  approach 
of  the  Indianf^.  The  officer  gave  but  little  credit  to 
him,  but  they  made  some  further  preparation  to  re- 
ceive the  enemy,  and  on  Saturday  and  Sunday  con- 
siderable work  was  done  to  put  the  fort  in  a  state  of 
defence.  Sunday  morning  three  negroes  were  tent 
out  to  attend  the  cattle,  who  soon  returned  with  an 
account  that  they  had  seen  20  Indians. — Scouts  were 
sent  out  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  the  report ;  they  re- 
turned and  declared  they  could  see  no  signs  of 
Indians.  One  of  the  negroes  belonging  to  Mr.  Ran- 
don  was  whipped  for  brniging  what  they  deemed  &, 
false  report. — He  was  sent  out  again  on  Monday, 
and  saw  a  body  of  Indians  approaching;  but  afraid 


HISTORY  OF  THE   WAR. 


373 


of  beings  whipped,  he  did  not  return  to  Mimii^'s,  but  to 
Pierce's  fort ;  but  before  his  story  could  be  coiiiinu- 
nicated,  the  attack  was  made.  The  commanding 
officer  cail«d  upon  Mr.  Fletcher,  who  owne4  another 
of  the  negroes,  to  whip  him  also. — He  beiieved  the 
boy,  and  resisted  two  or  three  applications  ;  but  at 
length  they  had  him  actually  brought  out  for  the  pur- 
pose, when  the  Indians  appeared  in  view  of  the  fort. 
The  gate  was  open.  The  Indians  had  to  come 
through  an  open  iield  150  yards  wide,  before  they 
could  reach  the  fort,  and  yet  they  were  within  ^ 
teps  of  the  fort  at  1 1  in  the  morning,  before  they 
were  noticed.  The  sentry  then  gave  the  cry  ol  *  In- 
dians!' and  they  immediately  set  up  a  most  terrible 
war-hoop  and  rushed  into  iL'^  ^ytQ  with  inconceivable 
rapidity,  and  got  within  it  before  the  people  of  the 
fort  had  any  opportunity  of  shutting  it.  This  decid- 
ed their  fate.  Major  Beasely  was  shot  through  the 
belly  near  the  gate. 

There  was  a  large  body  of  Indians,  though  they 
probably  did  not  exceed  400.  Our  people  seemed 
to  sustain  the  attack  with  undaunted  spirit.  They 
took  possession  of  the  port  holes  in  the  other  lines  of 
the  fort  and  fired  on  the  Indians  who  remained  in  the 
iield.  Some  of  the  Indians  got  upon  the  block  house 
at  one  of  the  corners ;  but  after  firing  a  good  deal 
down  upon  the  people  they  were  dislodged.  They 
succeeded  ho  .vever  m  setting  fire  to  a  house  near  the 
pickets,  from  which  it  was  communicated  to  the 
kitchen  and  from  thence  to  the  main  dwelling  house. 
They  attempted  to  do  it  by  burning  arrows,  but  failed. 
When  the  people  in  the  fort  saw  the  Indians  retained 
full  possession  of  the  outer  court,  that  the  gate  con- 
tinued open,  that  their  men  fell  very  fast,  and  Ihat  their 
houses  were  in  flames,  they  began  to  despond.  Some 
determined  to  cut  their  way  throu;;h  the  pickets  and 
escape.  .  Of  the  whole  number  of  white  men  and  half- 
breeds  in  the  fort,  it  is  supposed  that  not  more  than 
25  or  30  escaped,  and  of  these  many  were  wounded. 
The  rest  and  almost  all  the  womer;  aud  children  fell 

a5 


tf 


M 


:} 


ii'  \\ 


I 


;ll 


fi   i 


I  Ii!  .' 


.^'■'" 


i-^^A 


KT 


'274 


dUSTORt  OP  T&K  WAlt. 


i1: 


It  !  , 


a  saoriHce  ekher  to  the  arms  of  the  Indians  01*  tb  tbe 
flames.    The  battle  lasted  about  five  boui's  and  a  buH. 

When  the  buildingpi  were  burning  landtfafe  few  who 
remained  were  exposed  to  tbe  heavy  fire  of  the  ene- 
my, they  collected  as  many  as  they  could  of  the  guns 
of  the  deceased^  9:td  threw  both  them  and  the  remain, 
ing  stock  of  ammunition  into  the  fiamcis,  to  {>reveiU 
their  becoming  subservient  in  the  hands  of  the  In> 
dians,  to  tbe  destruction  of  their  fellow  citizens. 
Surely  this  wa<>-  an  instance  of  determined  resolution 
and  benevolent  foresight  of  which  there<ai^enot  many 
examples.  .    ,    1 1  ; 

^Notwithstanding  the  bVavdry  of  our  fellow  citizens, 
the  Indians  carried  all  before  tbem>  and  murdered 
tbe  armed  and  tlie  helpless  without  discrimination. 
Our  loss  is  7  commissioned  officers,  and  abottt  100 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates,  of  the  first 
regiment  of  Mississippi  Territory  volunteers.  There 
were  about  24  families  of  men,  woniien  and  children 
in  the  fort,  of  whom  almost  all  have  pei-ished,  amount- 
ing to  about  160  souls.  I  reckon,  however,  among 
them  alK>ut  six  families  of  half-breeds,  and  7  Indians. 
There  were  also  about  100  negroes,  of  whom  a  large 
proportion  were  killed,    ^i  J 


■If.  <.''< 


B*f  William  Henry  Harrison,  21%'.  Gen.  in  th«sei'' 

vice  of  the  V.  S.  commander  :n  chief  of  the  north- 

n'estern  army,  flwrf  Oliver  Hazard  Perry,  Caip*.  in 

"  the  -/Vav^,  andcommandi/ny^  the  U.  S.  vessels  on  Lake 

Erie, 
>  A  PROCLAMATION. 

^  y  iereas,  by  the  combined  operations  of  the  land 
and  naval  forcies  under  our  command,  those  of  the 
enemy  within  the  upper  district  of  Upper  Canada 
have  been  captured  or  destroyed  and  the  said  district 
is  now  in  the  quiet  possession  of  our  troops  :  it  be- 
comes  necess;iry  to  provide  for  its  government  :— 
Therefore,  we  do  hereby  proclaim  and  make  known* 
thai  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  inhabitants,  !'>icl 
tlie  laws  and  customt  of  tite  country,  as  they  existed 
pr  were  in  force  at  the  period  of  our  arrival,  shall  con* 


IS  01*  tb  tbe 

'sandaiiaK 

the  f^ew  wlio 

of  the  ene> 

of  the  guns 

the  remain- 

},  to  |>reveiit 

ds  of  the  In- 

ow   citizens. 

d  resolution 

li^e  not  many 

low  citizens, 
d  murdered 
(crimination. 
aboM  100 
;,  of  the  lirst 
eers.  There 
and  children 
led,  annount- 
ever,  among- 
id  7  Indians. 
t^hom  a  large 


II,  m  theser" 
of  the  north- 
TV,  Capt.  in 
issels  on  Lake 


softSie  Itinil 
those  of  the 
pper  Canada 
e  said  district 
•oops  :  it  be- 
vemment  :— 
nake  knowtn 
labitants,  ''•id 
they  existed 
f&\j  shiill  con« 


UIS'TORV  OP  THE  WAfS': 


^76 


<  i 


tinue  tb  prevail.    AH  raagistrutes  aud.<)|ther  civ^l  p;^.' 
corn  are  to  resume  the  exerci^  oi'  their  fun<;li|(>9y ; 
previously  takiiiijcaa  oa^i  to  J^.%i(bhfMi  to  the  go\;ern- 
meiitof  the  U.  i)lbt«s,as  long  :tt^  they  i^\vaI\  h^  jn  m^] 
session  of  the  country.    Thi9  authprr|y   of  a)l  qiiiU|^ 
commiMsions  is  suspended  in\  said  dirtti;icl4  iiud  t)]|e)0^-. 
cers  required  to  give  their  parpl|e,  in  f^ach  way  at^  the., 
officei-,  who  may  be  appointed  %  tl)^  coiuuinnding , 
Gen.  to  admiaisteif  the  govermnf^t,  $Mil  dir^tjlv 

The  inhabitaQJts  of  said  district  iir^  'p^ioiuiN^d  pror 
tection  tQ  their  perisions  and  propfiity.  w(ith  |hc  epi^^cp- 
tion  of  those  cases  embraced  hf  \\^  [tvo(i\^\f^-4[\qn  oif 
Gen.  Proctor^  of  lhe-ru|t.  which  i?  de<:lured  to  W  ii^ 
fojrcfe,  and  the  powers  tliereiix  assuined  tr^sfe^ed  l,cf 
the  offiicer  appointed  to  adraitiister  the.  governnje^it. 

Givem  under  our  kauds  and  sisals, .  r4  Sa^d\|k^ipit,v 
this  17«b  Oct.  1813.  ,.,  , 

(Signed)  WM,  a  liAHUlSON. 

r  .J i... .,  OLIVER H. mmx.  ; 

•■    """  ..'io.'iih  ". 

Gens.  Wilkinson  and  HtfiWjP<9».-r-These  two  Gen-' 
e>all  madie  ah  aj^mpt  to  take  Mpot^r^  abop^  tk»,  }(^ 
of   Nov.  1813.     G«n.  HfttnptpjB    was  stationed  at 
Piattsbargb>  and  was  to  nioet  Gei^   W>Iil(ii!«OH  al 
French    Mills;    having    succeeded    in    marching' 
through  the  forest  24  miles  in  one  day,  by  way  of 
Chatauguay,    and    entering-  upon   the  second  large 
forest,  his  guides  left  hiip»  w|ii$||  ^({ciisioned  the  army 
to  halt  for  three  or  four  days ;  in  the  mean  Time  our 
troops  attempted  the  0ji(e|ny's  b|'efist  work,  tliixiiwn  yp 
in  the  woods  by  t]l»Uing  treea^  di|i^^in^  d.itciies,  &c.  and 
succeeded  in.  compMeiy  driving- ^in&  front  <his  posi- 
tion ; — u  party  Beitl  votimi  U^  ipt^trf^ept  l^eir  i^t^treat 
Was  met  by  one  of  cont^idevable  fprce  and  ^tl^lig^^^  ^% 
retire. — Uieresome  niisund<i»tanding  took  pljucjejliit^^v 
tween  Uie  two  Gt^fi^raJB  on  account  of  thje  place  pj^^ 
meeiing ;  which,  iinall^  coti^tribuled   |<!i4'ge%  to  t|i,e, 
oi'erthrow  of  the  expedition.     irjavipt«pin  uptupediul^j^f; 
ordered  bis  men   ba^^'k  to  winter  quurtfers.     lii,)  tb,is 
farce  w£  loai  34  u»en  kUM  and  min^Otf •:~~^^.U  Yf'^h^ 


i>, 


>t!l 


;  I 


i  i 


27» 


HISTORY  OF  THB  WAR. 


i 

1 

! 

If 


kiiMon  WAS  stationed  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  and  con- 
veyed his  army  down  the  St.  Lawrence  in  boats.' 
The  enemy  about  2000,  from  PreHCott,  Kin^^ston,  &c, 
hnngf  on  nis  rear,  and  harrassed  him  continually. 
They  arrived  at  Williamsburjaf  the  llth  of  Nov.  and 
WHS  obliged  to  face  ahnvt  and  attack  the  enemy  to 
save  their  bagirage.  The  forces  were  about  equally 
strong,  having  from  12  to  I'^OO  men  engaged ;  each 
gave  way  by  turns — our  men  getting  out  of  ammuni- 
tion, left  the  field  of  action  unmolested,  and  passed 
down  the  streights,  without  seeing  the  enemy  again. 
Vie  lost  in  this  battle  102  non-commissioned  officers 
«nd  privates  killed,  and  237  officers  and.  privates 
wounded,  with  one  field  piece  and  several  stand  of 
arms:  3  officers  and  28  privates  of  the  wounded  were 
taken  prisoners.  At  Cornwall  Gen.  Wilkinson  first 
received  intelligence  of  the  different  route  General 
Hampton  had  taken  ;  a  council  of  General  officers 
was  held,  and  it  was  agreed  best  to  abandon  the  ex- 
pedition.'        .;^;  -^ 

'    AMERICAN  LOSS. 

Killed  102— wounded  237— missmg  Sl-r-total  370. 

BRITISH   L08S. 

Killed  21(>--wounded  248— ^)riHonerB  17— -total  475, 
CHAPTER    X.     ^i'!'.:i3ui.l.'n<.y 

~tii\')\iv\\  i 

.^  CREEK  WAR.  .i;fe;:  t? 

•  Gen,  Jacks<m  to  Gov.  Blount.       •''  yt^M  , 

Crtmp  at  Ten  Islands,  Nov.  4th,  1813i  ■=:r;>j; • 
SIR — We  have  retaliated  for  the  destruction 
tex  Port  Mims.  On  the  2d  instant,  I  detached 
Gen.  Coffise  with  a  part  of  his  brigarle  of  cavalry  and 
Biuunted  riflemen,  to  destroy  Tallushatches,  where  a 
considerable  force  of  the  hostile  Creeks  were  concen* 
^led.  The  Gen.  executed  this  in  stile.  A  hun- 
dred ainl  eighty-six  of  the  enemy  were  found  dead  on 
the  fittM|  and  tbout  eighty  taken  priioners  ;  fort^  of 


HISTOAY  OF  THB  WAB; 


277 


whcNOA  have  been  brought  here.  In  the  number  left, 
there  it  a  sufficiency  but  slightly  wounded  to  take  care 
of  those  who  are  badly. 

I  herein  enclose  Gen^  Coffee's  official  report  of , the 
action.       it*  ^y^ftn  9*1  ;  mill  no  ■yjitj'.'f'^  .irM'tyr  «  yhtua 

I  have  the  honor  lobe,  &c.  <; 

;    ,    ,       ANDREW  JACKSON,   j 

hm/i.   Oen.  Coffee  to  Geit,  Jackson.    ,^1■v(',Hr.fl^ 

Camp^at  Ten  hlaiuU,  JSw.  Ath,  1813. 
SIR,— I  hmd  the  honor  yesterday,  of  transmitting 
you  a  short  account  of  an  engagement  that  took  place 
between  a  detachment  of  about  nine  hundred  men 
from  my  brigade,  with  the  enemy  at  Tallushatchea 
towns ;  the  particulars  whereof  I  beg  leave  herein  to 
recite  to  you.  Pursuant  to  your  order  of  the  2d,  I 
detailed  from.tny  brigade  of  cavalry  and  mounted  ri- 
flemeo,  nine  hundred  men  and  officers,  andf>roce(eded 
directly  to  the  Tallushatches  towns,  crossing  Coo^e^ 
river  at  the  Fish  Dam  ford,  3  or  4  miles  above  this 
place.  I  avrlved  within  one  atid  a  half  miles  of  the 
(own  (distant  from  this  place  south-east  eight  miles) 
on  the >  morning  of  the  third,  at  which  place  I  divided 
my  detachment  into  two  columns  the  right  composed 
oi  the  cavalry  commanded  by  Col.  Allcom,  to  pross 
over  a  large  creek  that  lay  between  us  and  the  towns, 
the  left  column  was  of  the  mounted  riflemen,  under 
tiie  command  of  Col.  Cannon,  with  whom  I  marche4 
myself.  Col.  AUcorn  was  ordered  to  march  up  oi| 
the  right  and,  encircle  one  one  half  of  the  town,  and 
at  the  same  time  the  left  would  form  a  half  circle  on 
the  left,  and  unite  the  head  of  the  colums  in  front  of 
the  town ;  all  of  which  was  performed  as  I  could 
wis-h.  When  I  arrived  in  half  a  mile  of  the  towns, 
the  drums  of  the  enemy  began  to  beat,  mingled  with 
their  savage  yells,  preparing  for  action.  It  was  af» 
ter  sun-rise  an  hour ;  when  the  action  was  brought 
on  by  Capt.  Hammond  and  Lieut.  Patterson's  com- 
panies, who  had  gone  on  within  the  circle  of  align- 
ment for  the  purpose  of  d.  awing  out  the  enemy  from 


.  \ 


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ikvirtNnMiagis  wbich  ha<i  the  moNt  litip))y  effiecU; 
A9  soon  a»  Capt.  UapnnoiMi  oxhibited  hi»  froat  in 
view  of  the  town,  (wiiich  stuod  in  open  womilaMtl) 
and  gave  ^fcw  ■cattenngihot,  the  enemy  formed  atid 
made  a  violent  charge  on  him  ;  he  gave  way  its  they 
advanced,  until  they  met  our  right  oclaihln  ;  whuh 
gave  then  a  gennral  fire  and  then  charged ;  this 
changed  the  direction  of  charge  compleiely  ;  th§ 
enemy  retreated,  Arin|^,  until  they  got  ^ar^nd  and  in 
their  ouiMiiigN,  where  they  made  all  th^  rekistnnce 
that  an  overpowered eoldwr  could  iki>;'i\Uej  fought  as 
lon^  08  one  existed,  hot  tlieip  destruotion  wa.s  very 
soon  completed  ;  our  men  rimhed  op  td  the  doors  of 
llie  houses,  and  in  afewmimites  killed  the  last  war- 
rior of  them  ;  the  eneiny  fought  wiMi  savag'el^ry,  and 
met  deaih  with  ail  its  qorpoHn^  withbkit  shrinkitig  or 
complaining,  not  one  asked  to  bes|mrcd,  iMit  foi^ht 
tolone  as  Ihey  could  stand  ov  sil.  in  coiiBc<|uence 
.«f  their  flying  to  their  houses  arid  niixin|^  <  #ith  the 
families,  our  men  in  killing  the  males,  withcMlt  inten- 
tion, killed  and  wounded  a  few  squaws  and  children, 
vhich  was  regretted  by  every  omcer  and  soldier  of 
the  detachment,  but  which  coiild  not  he  avtwded^ 

The  number  of  the  enemv  killed  was  one  himdred 
and  eighty-six  that  were  counted,  and  a  iKMnfoerof  oth- 
ers that  were  killed  in  the  weeds  not  fbuivd.  1  think 
the  calculation  a  reasonable  one^  to  say  two  hundred  uf 
them  were  killed,  and  ei^hty-four  prisoners  of  women 
^d  ehildren,  were  taken  ;  not  one  of  fhe  warrierH 
esca))ed  te  carry  the  news,  a  eirounMtanoe  unknown 
Jieretofore 

I  lost  five  men  killed  and  forty-one  woanded^  none 
mortally,  the  greater  part  slightly,  a  nuniiber  with 
arrows;  two  of  the  men  killed  was  with  ritows  j  this 
fl^ppears  lo  form  a  very  principal  piirtof  ehemy's  amw 
for  warfare  ;  every  n»an  having  a  bow  ^ith  a  bundle 
of  arrows,  which  is  used  afW  '^e  first  fire  vt'ith  the 
gun,  until  a  leisure  time  for  loading  offers. 
.'  I  have  the  honor  to  be, /ko. 

JNOPOFFEiE. 


BfSTOBT  OF  Tim  W^B. 


12?f 


I  iiisti  aranndr  ar* 

l/.tsWdy'sfort,(Tale- 

'ow  us,  with  the 

.  great  force  had 

were  preparing  to  de- 


6ich«  Jnchson  to  GtMf.  Bhunt 
Camp  Ten  iHtands  ofGMiB,  Novk  Uv  IBia.  » 

[Extmoi.]  9IR~*I  am  jlist  retarned  trom  an  ex* 
(tursion  which  I  took  a  few  d«yls  logo,  and  hasten  to 
acquaint  yoii  with  the  result. 

Late  on  the  evening  of  tl' 
rived  from  the  friendly  partv 
dega)   dislant  abodt  thirty 
information  that  the  hostile 
encamped  near  the  pkuce,  a  • 

(itr4ly  it;  land  eefruostly  entreated  that  I  would  lose  no 
time  in  aiifording  reliefs  Urged  by  tftitit*  situation  as 
well  as  by  a  wish  to  meet  the  enemy  do.  sooti  as  aii 
opportunity  ^o«kl  offer,  I  detierm(ined:u|ioii  com^' 
mencing  my  march  tfcither  with  all  iny  dispesabte 
force;  we  encamped  that  night  within  six  mil»  of 
the  f6rt  1  bail,  set  out  to  itelieve.  Atsttivisewie 
came  within  half  a  mile  of  thena,  dnd:  havilig  formed 
my  men,  I  moved  on  ia  battle  order.  The  iid«ittlv 
were  in  three  lines— 'the  mtlitia  ob  liie  kft  and  tm 
volunteers  on  the  right.  Hie icav airy  fomed  tlhe-ex»i 
trame  wings;  and  welre  ordeved  to  adl^auce  in  a 
curve,  keeping  Uieir  rear  connected  with  the  advance 
of  theii'  in&ntk'y  lines,  and  to  enclose  the  dnemiy  in  a 
circle.  The  advanced  guard  whom  I  sent  forwafrd 
to  bring  on  tli*  engagement,  met  the  attack  of  the 
enemy  with  great  intrepidity ;  and  having  poured 
u[>on  them  four  or  jfive  very  gallant  rounds,  fell  back 
as  they  had  been  previously  ordered^  to  the  main  army. 
The  enemy  pursued  and  the  front  line  was  noiw  ar<> 
dered  to  advance  and  meet  him ;  the  ifire  became 
general  along  the  first  line,  and  on  that  part 'Of  the 
wings  which  were  contiguous.  The  enemy,  utiablv 
to  stand  it,  begun  to  retreat;  but  were  met  at  every 
turn,  and  pursued  in  every  direction.  The  right  wing 
cJMised  them  with  a  most  destructive  fire  to  the  moun-i> 
tains,  a  distance  of  about  3  miles;  the  victory  howev- 
er was  very  deoisive->-290  of  the  enemy  were  left 
dead;  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  many  more 
were  killed  Wlho  were  not  found.     Wherever  they  rfwi 


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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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aiSTORT  OF  THE  WAS. 


they  left  traces  of  blood;  and  it  is  belioTed  that  very 
few  will  return  to  theii^.  villages  in  as  adund  a  condi- 
tion as  they  left  them.  I  was  compelled  to  return  to 
this  place  to  protect  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  get 
my  baggage.  In  the  eng^grement  we  lost  16  killed 
and  15  wounded,  2  of  whom  have  since  died. 

In  haste,  I  have  the  4ionor  to  be,  kc. 
«ii  ANDREW  JACKSON. 

b*»»5  »tv  ,      — . 

•^h  '        Cfen.  White  to  Major-Gen.  Cocke. 
0-.  Fortp Armstrong,  Nov. 24, 1813. 

.  [Extract.]  SIR— In  mine  of  the  19th  inst.  by  Ma* 
jor  Outlaw,  I  promised  yoU  a  detailed  report,  respect- 
ing the  detachment  ordered  by  you  totheHiUibee 
towns,  in  the  Creek  nation.  In  compliance  with  that 
promise,  I  have  now  the  honor  to  state— that  under  your 
order  of  the  11th  inst,  I  immediately  marched  with 
the  mounted  infantry,  under  the  immediate  command 
of  Col.  Buroh.  The  cavalry  under  the  command  of 
Major  Porter,  and  a  tew  of  the  Cherokee  Indians  un- 
der the  command  of  Col.  Morgan,  with  very  short 
rations  for  four  days  only.  AtVer  destn)ying  two  vil- 
lai^es  containing  123  houses,  we  marched  to  the 
Hillibee  town,  consisting  of  about  20  houses, 
adjoining  which  was  Grayson's  farm. — Previous 
to  our  arrival  at  that  place,  I  was  advised  that  a 
part  of  the  hostile  Creeks  were  assembled  there. 
Having  marched  within  six  or  seven  miles  of  it  on  the 
17th,  I  dismounted  a  part  of  the  force  under  my  com- 
mand, and  sent  them  under  the  command  of  Col. 
Burch,  with  the  Cherokees  under  the  command  of 
Col.  Morgan,  in  advance,  to  surround  the  town  in  the 
night,  and  make  the  attack  at  day  light  on  the  18lh. 
Owing  to  the  darkness  of  the  night,  the  town  was  nut 
reached  until  after  day  light—but  so  complete  was 
the  surprise,  that  we  succeeded  in  surrounding  the 
town,  and  killing  and  capturing  almost  ^if  not  en- 
tirely) the  whole  of  the  hostile  Creeks  assembled  there, 
consistingof  about  3]tt,  of  which  number  about  tiO 
warriors  were  killed  on  the  spot,  and  the  remainder 


III! 


nm} 


MISTORY  OS*  THt:  WA1U 


tm 


iiiadie  'prisoners.  We  lost  not  one  drop  of  blood  ia 
accomplMhin^  this  enterprize.  We  destroyed  this 
tillage ;  and,  in  obe<lience  to  your  oi*ders,  commenc- 
ikl  Our  march  for  this  post,  which  we  were  unable 
to  reach  until  yestierday. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  dec. 

JAMES  WH1T£,  Brig.  Gen. 


T. +•->-,  I    fjr 


Gen.  Fht/d  to  Gen.  fHniney. 

Catahouche,  Dec.  4, 1813. 

[Ettract.']  SIR — I  have  llie  honor  to  communicate 
to  yoit  an  account  of  the  action  fought  on  the  20th 
bh.  between  part  of  the  force  under  my  command^ 
and  a  large  body  of  the  Creek  Indians.  Having  re^ 
Reived  inrormation  that  the  hostile  Indians  were  as* 
ii^mbled  at  Autossee,  1  proceeded  thither  with  the 
force  under  my  command,  accompanied  by  about  800 
friendly  Indians.  We  encamped  the  28tb,  at  night» 
within  ten  miles  of  our  place  of-destination,  and  the 
next  morning  by  half  past-6,'  were  formed  for  actien  in 
front  fi»f  the  town. 

li  was  my  intention  to  have  completely  surround- 
ed the  enemy,  by  appaying  the  right  of  my  force  on 
Cunlehee  creek,  at  the  mouth  of  wnich  I  was  inform- 
ed the  town  stood ;  and  resting  the  left  on  the  river 
below  the  town  •;  but  to  our  surprise,  as  day  dawned* 
we  perceived  a  second  town  500  yards  !>elow  Autos- 
fee.  The  plan  of  attack  was  immediately  changed  ; 
^ve  companies  immediately  surrounded  the  lower 
town,  and  the  remainder  attacked  the  upper.  The 
battle  now  became  general.  The  Indians  presented 
themselves  at  every  point,  and  fought  with  the  despe- 
rate bravery  of  real  fanatics;  but  the  well  directed 
fir^  of  the  artillerv,  with  the  charged  bayonet,  soon 
forced  them  to  take  shelter  in  their  houses,  and  manv» 
it  is  believed,  secured  themselves  in  caves  previously 

Prepared  in  the  high  bank  of  the  river.  The  friendly 
ndians  were  to  cross  the  river  above  the  town,  for 
the  purpose  of  taking  such  as  might  attempt  to  es- 
cape ;  but  owing  to  the  coldness  of  the  water,  they 


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283 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR< 


declined,  after  making  the  attempt :  they  crossM'  ihp 
creek,  thronged  to  our  flanks,  and  fought  with  an  in* 
trepidit^  in^orthy  of  any  troops.  At  9  o'clock,  the 
enemy  was  completely  driven  from  the  plain,  and  the 
houses  of  both  towns  wrapped  in  flames,  to  the  num- 
ber of  about  4(J0.  It  is  difficult  to  determine  the 
strength  of  the  enemy,  but  the  chiefs  say  there  were 
assembled  the  warriors  of  eight  towns,  for  the  defence 
of  Autossee,.il  being  their  l)eloved  ground,  on  which, 
they  proclaimed,  no  white  man  could  approach  with- 
out inevitable  destruction.  It  is  believed  the  enemy 
lost  at  least,  200  killed,  (amon^  whom  are  the  Autos* 
see  and  Tallissee  kings)  and  from  the  circumstance 
of  their  not  making  an  eflbrt  to  molest  our  return, 
probably  they  lost  more.  Our  loss  was  11  killed  and 
d4  wounded. — The  friendly  Indians  lost  several  killed 
and  wounded ;  the  number  not  exactly  known. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  FLOYD,  Brig.  Gen. 

Gen*  Claibomet  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Fort  Claiborne,  Jan.  Ist,  1814. 
[Extract]  SIR— On  the  13th  ult.  I  marched  adetach- 
ment  from  this  post  with  a  view  of  destroying  the 
towns  of  the  inimical  Creek  Indians,  on  the  Alabama, 
above  the  tl.  -nouth  of  the  Cahaba.  After  having 
marched  at  eighty  miles,  from  the  best  infor- 
mation I  could  obtain,  I  was  within  thirty  miles  of  a 
town  n  iwly  erected  on  a  ground  called  Holy,  occupi- 
ed by  a  large  body  of  the  enemy,  under  the  command 
of  Witherford,  the  half  breed  chief.  On  the  morn- 
ing of  the  22d  the  troops  resumed  their  line  of  march, 
chiefly  through  woods  without  a  track  to  guide  them. 
When  rear  the  town  on  the  morning  of  Uie  23d,  my 
dispositon  for  attack  Was  made.->The  troops  advan- 
ced in  three  columns.  With  the  centre  column  I  ad- 
vanced myself,  ordering  Lester's  guards  and  Well's 
troop  of  dragoons  to  act  as  a  corps  of  reserve.  About 
noon  the  right  column,  cooiposed  of  twelve  month's 
vblbnteers,  commanded  by  Col.  Joseph  Carson,  came 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


tm' 


in  view  of  the  town  called  Eccanachaca  (or  Holy 
Groiund)  and  was  immediately  vigorously  attacked 
by  the  enemy,  who  were  apprized  of  our  approach,  and 
had  chosen  their  field  of  action. 

Before  the  centre,  commanded  by  Lieut.  Col.  Rus- 
sell, with  a  part  of  the  3d  regiment  of  U.  S.  infantry 
and  mounted  militia  riflemen,  or  the  left  column, 
which  was  composed  of  militia  and  a  party  of  Choc- 
taws  under  Pushamuttaha,  commanded  by  Muj. 
Smoot  of  militia,  who  were  ordered  to  charge,  could 
come  generaly  into  action,  the  enemy  were  repulsed 
and  were  flying  in  all  directions,  and  many  of  them, 
casting  away  their  arms. 

Thirty  of  the  enemy  were  killed,  and  judging  from, 
every  appearance  giany  were  wounded.  'The  loss  on 
our  part  was  one  corporal  killed,  and  one  ensign,  twa 
Serjeants,  one  corporal,  and  two  privates  wounded. 

A  pur&uit  was  immediately  ordered  but  from  the 
nature  of  the  country,  nothing  was  eflected.  '  The 
town  was  u'^arly  surrounded  by  swamps  and  deep 
ravines,  which  rendered  our  approach  difficult,  and 
facilitated  the  escape  of  the  enemy.  In  the  town  we 
found  r.  large  quantity  of  provisions  and  immense 
property  ot  various  kinds,  which  the  enemy,  flying 
precipitately,  were  obliged  to  leave  behind,  and  whichi 
together  with  two  hundred  houses  were  destroyed 

The  next  day  was  occupied  in  destroying  a  town 
consisting  of  sisr.ty  houses,  eight  miles  higher  up  the 
river,  and  in  taking  and  destroying  the  eiiemy*8  boats. 
At  the  town  last  destroyed  was  killed  three  Indians 
of  some  distinction. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c.  , 

F£RD.L.  CLAIBORNE.  Brig.  Gen. 

—  m.'. 

GeH.  FUtyd  to  Major  Gen.  Pinchney.  4 

\]Extract\  Camp  Defiance,  Jan.  27, 1814.  >t 

SIR — I  have  the  honor  to  acquaint  your  excellen- 
cy that  this  morning  at  20  minutes  past  5  o'clock,  a 
very  larg^  body  of  hostile  Indians  made  a  desperate 
attack  upon  the  army  under  my  command.  .They 
stole  upon  the  ceakiuels,  fired  on  them,  and  with  great 


,   ' 

. 

1 
t, 

■• 

i 

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984 


HISTORY  OV  THE  WAR* 


1 


If 

i  '      ! 

I' 

i  ! 


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lilil'l 


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i 


I      I  u 


nnpetaogity  rushed  npon  our  line :  in  20  minutdl  the 
action  became  general,  and  our  fronW  right  and  lett 
flanks  were  closely  pressed,  but  the  brave  and  gallant 
conduct  of  the  Aeld  and  line  officers,  and  thefiriUncM 
of  the  men,  repelled  them  at  every  point. 

The  steady  firmness,  and  mcessaut  fire  ofCapt. 
Thomas's  aitiller},  and  (^apt  AdamsV  riflemen,  pre- 
served our  front  lines.  Tiie  enemy  ruirfied  within  90 
yards  of  the  artillery,  and  Capt.  Brodnax»  who  com- 
manded  one  of  the  picquet  guards,  maintained  his 
post  with  great  bravery,  until  the  enemy  gained  liis 
iear,,and  then  cut  his  way  through  them  to  the  army. 
As  soon  as  it  becaiue  'ight  enough  to  distinguish  ob- 
jects, 1  ordered  Majoiv  Watson's  and  FrenAnrs  bat- 
tallions  to  viheei  up  at  right  angles  with  Majors 
Booth's  and  Cleveland's  battallions,  who  formed  the 
right  wing,  to  prepare  for  the  charge.  The  order  for 
the  charge  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  the  enemy  fled 
in  every  direction  before  the  bay  oiiet.  The  signal  w  a» 
given  for  the  charge  of  the  cavalry,  who  pursued  and 
tabi'ed  15  of  the  enemy,  who  let!  37  dead  on  the  field. 
From  the  eflusion  of  blood,  and  the  number  of  head 
dresses  and  war  clubs  found  in  various  directions,  their 
loss  must  have  been  considerable,  independent  ot  their 
wounded. 

1  herewith  transmit  you  a  list  of  our  killed  and 
tcounded,  and  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c.  -v'  t--' 

JOHN  FLOYD,  Brig.  Gen. 
Killed,  17— wounded,  132— total  149. 

Gen.  Jackson  to  Gen.  Pinkney, 

FiHt  htrother,  Jan.  29, 1814. 
[Extract:]  SIR— 1  had  ordered  800  Tennessee 
Tolunteers  to  join  me  on  the  10th  inst.  but  they  tiid 
not  arrive  until  tlie  14th  ;  the  next  day  they,  with  the 
force  before  with  me,  130,  marched  across  the  river 
to  graze  our  horses.  The  motives  which  influenced 
me  to  penetrate  further  into  the  enemy's  country  were 
•lany  and  urgent.  I  received  a  letter  from  Colonel 
finodgrassy  liitomiiog  me  tb^  aa  attack  was  soon  to 


tl  If 


HISTORY  OF  THB  WAR. 


2M 


be  maAe  on  fort  Annstrong,  bv  OOii  of  the  enemy, , 
collected  fro.ii  New  Y«Mika«  Oakfusikee, and  (Jfaulev  . 
toiriM»  and  were  coiicentrated  in  the  bend  of  the  Tal- 
lapoosee.    It'  I  could  have  hesitated  before,,!  could  . 
Duw  hesitate  no  longer.     On  the  10th  I  encamped 
at  Eiitochapco ;    here  I  soon  perceived  how  little 
knowledge  my  spies  had  of  the  country,  of  the  sitaa- 
tioii  of  the  enemy,  or  of  the  distance  we  were  from 
them,  and  the  insuiiordination  of  the  new  troops,  and 
want  of  skill  in  their  officers,  became  more  apparent ; . 
but  my  wishes  and  my  duty  remained  united. 

We  arrived  within  a  few  miles  of  our  destination 

the  iliXt  and  encamped  on  a  high  piece  of  grou.id ; . 

alK)ut  10  o'clock  at  night  our  picket  tired  upon  a  few  . 

of  the  enemy,  and  killed  one.     At  1 1  o'clock  our 

spies  returned  with  inlbrmation  that  a  large  botly  of. 

the  enemy  were  encamped  about  three  miles  distent. , 

Being  prepared  at  all  points,  nothing  remained  to  be . 

done,  but  await  their  approach,  or  be  in  readiness  to  ■ 

attack  them  by  day  light,    The  enemy  attacked  our  > 

left  flank,  about  d  o'clock  in  the  morning,  which  was  • 

vigorously  met  by  our  troops ;  the  attack  lasted  half 

an  hour.    So  soon  as  it  became  light  enough  to  pur- 

me  the  enemy,  the  brave  Gen.  Coffee  led  our  troops 

on  to  the  charge ;  the  enemy  was  completely  routed- 

•t  every  point,  and  chased  two  miles  with  great  slaugh- 

ter.    Uen.  Gofkt  was  now  sent  with  ^X)  troops  to  re^ 

connoitrethe  enemy's  camp,  who  returned  after  satr 

jsfying  himself  of  their  strength.    In  half  an  hour  a . 

coniiderable  fordeof  the  enemy  made  its  appearance 

on  my  right  flanl|i,  and  attacked  us  with  great  spirit. 

Gen.  Coiee  r^<(uested  900  men  of  me  for  the  purpose 

of  turning  their  left  flank,  which  was  grunted ;  but 

by.  some  miilake,  not  observed  at  the  time,  only  54 

followed  him,  who  were  chiefly  old  volunteer  officera.. 

Tfitbthis  little  band  of  heroes,  the  Gen.  attacked  it* 

and  drove  them  from  the  ground;  at  the  same  time 

SOU  friendly  Indians  were  ordered  to  fall  U|)oii  their, 

right,  and  co-operate  with  the  General.    Tais  order 

mm  aoon  obeyra*  and  iu  its  executioiv  what  1  exp^cjU 


■il  I 

i 


:il. 


tu   I   »  L  4  .'  '' 


n! 


»       I.   ; 


if" 


i;l 

1    1  ^ 

•  - 1 1 

i; 

f 

i 

i_ , 

1 

1 

1 

ill 

M^ 

k.\ 

Sl|6  HISTORY  OP  THK  WAE. 

•(],  was  realized.  The  dnemy  intended  the  Attack 
on  my  righl  as  a  feint,  and  soon  attacked  my  left 
inrith  their  main  force,  which  they  hoped  to  find  weak* 
ened  and  in  disorder — they  were  disappointed— the 
whole  line  met  the  attack  witli  firmness  and  astonish- 
ing intrepidity,  and  having  given  a  few  fires  charged 
with  grreat  vigor ;  the  efiect  was  immediate  and  in- 
evitable. The  enemy  fled  with  precipitation,  and 
were  pursued  to  a  considerable  distance  with  great 
slaughter.  In  the  mean  time  Gen.  Coflee  was  con- 
tending with  a  superior  force,  the  Indians  having 
i'oined  my  left.  Jim  Fife,  with  100  friendly  Indians 
[  forthwith  ordered  to  his  assistance ;  he  no  sooner 
reached  the  spot  than  the  Gen.  made  a  charge,  and 
the  enemy  routed  and  driven  three  miles,  with  the  lost 
of  45  slain.  I  was  determined  to  commence  a  return- 
ing march  the  next  morning,  as  my  provisions  were 
nearly  consumed.  I  considered  it  not  necessary  to 
pursue  them  any  farther,  as  the  object  of  a  general 
engagement  would  be  more  certainly  attained  by 
commencing  a  return,  which,  to  them,  would  have 
the  appearance  of  a  retreat,  and  would  inspire  them 
with  new  courage  to  pursue  mej  and  not  prudent 
because  of  my  wounded,  the  starving  condition  of 
my  horses,  they  not  having  neither  eat  corn  nor  cane 
for  two  days,  and  of  the  scarcity  of  provisions  for  my 
men-— influenced  by  these  considerations,  I  commenc- 
ed my  return  march  on  the  23d  and  reached  Enota- 
chopco  that  night.  I  took  a  diflerent  route  from  the 
one  we  came  in,  to  avoid  a  deep  defile  between  two 
mountains.  Having  a  deep  creek  to  pass  I  issued  a 
general  order  pointing  out  the  manner  in  which  the 
men  should  be  formed,  in  case  of  an  attack.  The 
front  guard  and  the  wounded  had  crossed,  when  an 
alarm  gun  was  heard  in  the  rear.  I  heard  it  without 
surprise,  and  even  with  pleasure,  as  I  calculated  on 
the  firmness  of  my  troops,  from  the  manner  in  which 
I  had  seen  them  act  on  the  22d.  Having  chosen  the 
ground,  I  expected  to  have  entirely  cut  off  the  ene- 
my* by  wheeling  the  right  and  left  columns  on  their 


ttlSTOHY  OV  THB  WAS, 


S87 


pivots,  recroninff  the  creek  above  and  below,  and  fal- 
lings npon  their  flanks  and  rear.  But  to  my  astonish- 
ment, after  a  few  guns  had  been  fired,  I  heheld  the 
riffht  and  left  columns  of  the  rear  guard  give  way. 
This  shameful  retreat  was  disastrous  in  the  extreme ; 
drawing  with  it  the  greater  part  of  the  centre  column, 
and  producing  consternation  and  dismay  in  the  whole 
army.  There  was  left  to  oppose  the  enemy  a  few  of 
the  rear  guard,  the  artillery,  and  Capt.  HusseU's  com^ 
pany  of  spies :  they  realized  and  exceeded  my  best 
expectations.     Never  was  there  more  bravery  dis- 

[ilayed  than  on  this  occasion.  Amidst  the  most  gal- 
ing  fire  from  the  enemy,  more  than  ten  times  their 
iiamber,  they  ascended  the  hill.  In  the  hurry  of  the 
moment,  in  separating  the  gun  from  the  limbers,  the 
rammer  and  picket^  were  left  tied  to  it.  No  sooner 
was  this  discovered  than  Craven  Jackson,  and  Gon- 
stantjne  Perkins,  gunners,  found  means  to  replace 
them ;  Jackson  amidst  the  galling  fire  of  the  enemy, 
polled  ont  the  ramrod  of  his  musket,  used  it  as  a  pick- 
er, primed  with  a  cartridge,  and  fired  the  cannon. 
Perkins  having  taken  off  his  bayonet,  used  his  gun 
as  a  rammer,  acd  J ackson  using  nis,former  plan,  again 
discharged  her.  Lieut.  Armstrong  soon  ^ill,  and 
exclaimed  as  he  lay, '  my  brave  fellows^  some  oj  yov, 
may  fall,  but  you  must  save  the  cannon.^  At  this  time  a 
number  crossed  the  creek,  and  entered  into  the  chase, 
when  they  were  pursued  more  than  two  miles,  fleeing* 
in  consternation,  throwing  away  their  packs,  and  left 
26  of  their  warriors  dead  on  the  field.  This  last  de- 
teat  was  decisive.  In  these  three  engagements  our 
loss  was  20  killed  and  75  wounded.  The  loss  of  the 
enemy  cannot  be  exactly  ascertained;  189  of  their 
warriors  were  found  dead ;  but  this  must  fall  consid- 
erably short  of  the  number  killed ;  their  wounded  can 
only  be  guessed  at. 

I  am,  sir,  with  sentiments  of  respect,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON,  Major  Gen. 


i 

i 

il 

\ 

■1; 
i.  1 

,     I 


I  'I  .' 


I    \\ 


1 

1 


J,. 


I '   t 


mm 


fi' 


^1  ! 


'I'.ini 


!  -i 


'i    h 


!     I 


in 


SM 


iiisTOKT  or  Tin  wa*. 


Gen.  JaehoH  to  Chv.  BlounI, 

Fort  Williami,  March  aiit,  1814. 
'    [Extraety  8IR~-1  have  juMl  returned  fram  the  ex. 
pedition  whirh  I  ndviiied  you  in  mv  taut  I  waa  about 
to  make  to  the  Tallapoosee ;  and  naatmi  to  acquaint 
you  with  the  good  fortune  which  attended  it. 

I  took  uu  the  line  of  march  from  this  place  on  the 
morning  otthe2lNt  iiiHt.  and  having  opened  a  passage 
of  52  I'i  miles  uver  the  ridges  whicn  divide  the  wa* 
tersofthe  two  ri vera,  1  reached  the  bend  of  theTaila- 
pousce,  three  miles  beyond  where  I  had  the  engage* 
ment  ot  the  22d  of  .fan.  and  at  the  souihem  extreme 
ty  of  New-Youk<i,  on  the  morning  of  the  37th.  This 
t>end  resembles  in  its  curvature  that  of  a  horse  shue, 
and  is  thence  called  by  that  name  among  the  whites. 
Nature  furnishes  few  situations  so  eligible  for  defence^ 
and  barbarians  have  never  rendered  one  more  secure 
by  art.  A  cross  the  neck  of-the  bend  which  leads  into  it 
from  the  north,  they  had  erected  a  breastwork  of  the 
greatest  compactness  and  strength,  from  fivelo  eight 
teethigh,  and  preparad  with  double  port  holes  very 
artfully  arranged.  Ttte  figure  of  this  ^  all  manifesti  d 
no  less  skill  in  the  projection  of  it,  ihaii  its  construe* 
tion ;  an  army  could  not  approach  it  without  bein;; 
exposed  to  a  double  and  crossfire  from  the  enemy,  \»ho 
lay  in  perfect  security  behn id  it. 

In  tliisbend  the  warriors  from  Oakfusky,  Oakeha* 
^,  New  Youka,  Hiltibee,  the  Fish  PoiidN,  andEu- 
lauta  towns,  apprised  of  our  approach,  had  collected 
their  strength.  Their  exact  number  cannot  be  as- 
certained ;  but  it  is  said  by  the  prisoners  we  have  tak- 
en to  have  been  a  thousand. 

Early  on  the  moriiiitg  of  the  27th,  having  encamp- 
ed the  preceding  night  at  the  distance  ot  five  miles 
from  them — I  detailed  Gen.  Coffee  with  the  mounted 
men  and  nearly  the  whole  of  the  Indian  fore*',  to 
cross  the  river  at  a  ford  about  3  miles  below  their  en-  j 
catnpment,  and  to  surround  the  bend  in  such  a  man- 
ner that  none  of  them  should  escape  by  attempting  toj 
cross  the  river.     With  the  remamUer  of  the  forces  I 


HlBTORY  OV  THB  "WAB. 


88$ 


Muc««^le<l  slowly  and  hi  onler,  along  the  point  of 
nnd  which  led  to  the  front  of  their  breast  work  ;  hAv«> 
ingf  planted  taj  cannon  (one  sik  and  one  three  poun^ 
def )  on  an  eminence  at  the  distance  of  160  or  800 
yards  froni  it,  I  opened  a  Tery  brisk  fire,  playing  up<k 
Uli  the  inertly  with  the  mUskels  and  rrfles  whenever 
Ihey  shewed  themselves  beyond  it ;  this  was  keut  up, 
with  short  interruptions,  for  about  two  hours,  wnen  a 
part  of  the'  fndlan  force,  and  Capt.  Rnsseirs  and 
Lieut.  Bean's  companies  of  spies,  who  had  accom-^ 
panied  Gen.  Cuflee,  crossed  over  in  canoes  to  the 
extremity  of  the  bend,  and  set  Hre  to  the  buildings 
which  were  there  situated ;  they  then  advanced  with 
grelst  gallantry  towards  the  breast  work,  and  com- 
menced a  spirited  fire  upon  the  enemy  behind  it. 

Finding  that  this  force,  notwithstanding  the  bravery 
they  displaced,  was  wholly  insufiicient  to  dislodge 
them,  and  that  Gen.  Cufiee  had  entirely  secured  the 
opposite  bank  of  the  river,  I  now  determined  to  take 
their  works  by  storm.  The  men  by  whom  this  was 
to  be  eflected  had  been  waiting  with  impatience  to  re- 
ceive their  order,  and  hailed  it  with  acclamation. 

The  spirit  which  animated  ihem  was  a  sure  angury 
of  the  success  which  was  to  follow.  The  history  of 
Warfare  furnishes  few  instances  of  a  more  bi^illitint 
attack''— the  regulars  led  on  by  their  intrepid  and  skil- 
M  commander.  Col.  Williams,  and  by  the  gallant 
Major  Montgomery,  soon  gained  possesbion  of  the 
worics  in  the  midst  of  a  most  tremendous  fire  from 
behind  them,  and  the  militia  of  tlie  venerable  Gen. 
Doherty'e  brig^ade,  accompanied  them  in  the  charge^ 
with  a  vivaeity  and  firmness  that  would  have  done 
honor  to  regulars.  The  enemy  were  completely  rout-* 
ed<  Five  hundred  and  filly-seven  were  left  dead  on 
thepeninsula.^ 

T(m  Aghting  continued  with  some  severity  about 
Ave  boars,  but  we  continued  to  destroy  many  of  them 

.  «  Gen.  Coffee  m  hii  aecount  tu  Gen.  Jackson,  says,  there  were 
not  leiss  than  StftO  killed,  in  atteni|>tiiig;  to  cross  the  river,  which 
iaBli|«ad  were  Bot  included  in  the  above. 


>! 


<       I 


I  1  I 


J  « 


1  ■  I  i :  1; 

1  r  t 


n 


'.I  I'll 
ll  i-  i  . 


■1 1 


Ji 


:  Hilt  I 


''  idmf 


M'   I 


r 


ftO  JIltfVOBY  OW  THU  WAWk, 

who  hud  conoitM  UiemMlfM  uodtr  Um  banks  of  Um 
river  until  we  wert  P9ff^  ^y  ^  niffaU  Tbit 
morning  weJkilled  '^^jflf!^  bad  been  concealed.— 
We  look  Ml^  priioiMPllli  women  and  cbildren  ex<^ 
cent  two  or  tbree.  Omr  Ion  is  100  wounded*  and  3# 
kiUed.  Miyor  Mlntosb  (tbe  Cowetan)  who  joined 
my  army  with  pari  of  his  tribe,  greatly  distinguished 
himself. 

According  to  my  original  parpoite,  I  commenced 

iny  return  march  fur  fori  \ViUiaats  to-day,  and  shall, 

if  I  find  supplies  there,  hasten  to  the  Hickory  ground. 

The  power  of  the  Creeks  is,  I  think,  for  ever  broken. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Sec, 

..^  J  ANDR£W  JACKSON,  Maj.  Gtn, 


4>'^;-'>  ii 


CHAPTER  XI. 


«'4tit>>  if. 


CAPT.  PORTERS  CRCJISfi. 
Caj9l.  Porter  to  the  lUkeretary  of  the  Navjf. 
U.  S.  Frigate  Essex,  Pacific  Ocean,  July  2d,  ISIS. 

SIR — On  the  23d  March  last,  I  sailed  sbapping 
my  course  to  the  northward,  and  on  the  36ltb  of. the 
same  month,  fell  in  with  tibe  Penivian  corsair  ship 
JSereyda,  mounting  16  guns :  she  had  a  few  days  ber 
fore,  captured  two  Amencavi  whale  ships,  the  crews 
of  which  (amounting  in  number  to  34men)wei« 
then  •detained  prisoners  onl^eardher ;  and  they  assign 
no  other  motive  for  lhecaptare»  than  that  tliey  were 
the  allies  of  0*  Britain,  m  as  such,  i^ald  capture 
all  American  vessels  they  could  fall  in.  with;  tnere- 
&re,  to  prevent  in  future  such  vexatious  proceedings^ 
I  threw  all  her  armament  into  the  aea,  liben^  the 
Americans,  and  dismissed  the  Nerevda. 
,1  then  proceeded  with  all  possible  dispatch  fi>r'I<i- 
qaa,  to  intercept  one  of  the  detained  vends,  which  had 
parted  with  the  Nereyda  only  three  daya  before,  and 
I  was  so  fortunate  as  to  arriye  there  and  recapture  hejr 
on  the  5th  April,  at  the  moment  she  was  eiiterin|f  the 
port.    This  veSi&l  (the  ship  Barclay,  Capt.  Oideop 


!      I  ■ 

-      t   : 


MffiTOmv  OP  TnB  WAR. 


991 


lUn^flU,  of  New  Bedford,)  I  took  under  my  protection^ 
nd'liave  -hed  her  with  me  ever  since. 

FVooi  Lime,  I  proceeded  for  tlie  GaUpago* 
Iiland  where  I  captured  the  following  prilish  Lettenof 
ttarqne  shipa. 

Montezuma, — 2  gun«,  31  men — Policy,  10  guns, 
S0  men — Georgiana,  6  ffuns,  26  men — Atlantic,  8 
(pins,  24  men — Greenwich,  10  guns,  36  men. 

The  Georgiana  being  reputed  a  very  fa»\  sailer,  and 
apparently  well  calculated  for  a  cruiser,  I  mounted 
16  guns  on  her  and  gave  the  command  of  her  to  thai 
excellent  officer,  Lieut.  John  Downes,  with  a  ooin> 
plement  of  42  men. 

Lieut.  Downes  joined  me  atTumbez,nearGniaquiI, 
en  the  coast  of  Peru,  on  the  24th  June,  after  captur- 
ing three  Letter  of  Marque  ships. 

Hector,  11  guns  25  men — Catharine,  8  guns,  29 
men — Rose,  8  gun,  31  men. 

The  first  had  two  men  killed  and  six  badly  wound- 
ed in  her  rencontre  with  the  Georgiana — and  I  have 
found  by  experience  that  the  Georgiana  did  not  de- 
serve the  character  given  of  her  for  sailing.  I  there- 
fore shipped  her  officers  and  crew  to  the  Atlantic, 
tad  mounted  on  her  20  guns,  with  a  complement,  of 
60  men,  and  appointed  midshipman  Rich.  Dashiell, 
acting  sailing  master,  on  board  her;  to  this  vessel  I 

Site  the  name  of  Essex  Junior.  I  also  fitted  up  die 
ip  Greenwith  as  a  store  ship,  and  mounted  on  her 
90  guns,  pkeing  her  under  the  command  of  Lieut. 
Gamble,  of  the  marines.  Onboard  her  I  have  put 
all  the  provisions 'and  stores  of  my  other  prizes,  ex- 
cept Asuroly  of  three  and  a  half  months  for  each,  and 
have  by  tnis  means  secured  myself  a  full  supply  of 
9f^ty  neCMsary  aftide  for  seven  months.  I  had  hoped 
to  dispose  of  my  other  prizes  at  Gniaquil :  the  Govs, 
in  l^iTo^  however,  are  excessively  alarmed  at  my  ap- 
pearimce  on  the  coast,  as  my  fleet  amounts  now  to 
nine  sail  of  vessels,  all  formidable  in  their  appearance, 
and  they  would  if  they  dare,  treat  us  with  a  hostility 
Httle  short  of  declared  enemies. 


J 


S   I 


-\\ 


ii 


■  .  1' 

•1 

i 

! 

Mi' 

'  -i 

•!^! 

p! 

i 

I  ' 


1  '*i 


iM 


iij 


\ 


'jm 


mSTOHY  OP  THB  VfMMt 


'.  Indeed,  sir,  uhen  I  compare  my  present  a(ituatio)t 
^ith  what  it  was  when  I  doubled  Cape  Hcirnt  1  can* 
Bot  but  esteem  myself  fortunate  in  an  extraordinary 
decree.  Thert-  my  ship  was  shattered  by  tf  mpestu-f 
ous  weather,  and  destitute  of  every  tbin^i^ ;  my  pffi- 
cei's  and  crew  half  starved,  naked*  and  worn  out  with 
fintigue.  Now,  sir,  uty  ship  is  in  prime  order,  abun« 
danlly  supplied  with  every  Uiinj^  necessary  for  her.  I 
bave  a  noble  ship  for  a  consort  of  2U  guius,  and  well 
ipanned^astore  ^hip  ot'20  guns,  and  well  supplied, 
with  the  best  of  every  thing  that  we  may  want,  and 
prizes  which  would  be  worth  in  England  twp  millions, 
of  dollars :  and  what  renders  the  cumparisQu  more 
pleasing,  the  enemy  has  furnisled  all.  >)4  i  ; 

The  tmies  of  my  best  men  have  expired  ;  but  tbei^Tr 
attachment  to  the  ship  and  their  zeal  for  the  service 
we  are  enga^^ed  on,  prevent  all  complaints  on  lb.it 
account.  It  is  not  probable  that  you  will  hear  o!  me, 
forseveral  months  to  come,  unless  some  disiister  hi>p- 
yens ;  but  1  beg  leave  to  assure  you,  sa*,  that  I  shall, 
pot  be  idle. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sec. 

D.PORTER. 

JJotsofFort  iVifayara.-Gen.M'Clure,  alioul  the  first, 
of  Dec.  1813,  abandoned  fort  George,  in  Canada,  and 
buritt  the  town  of  Newark,  adjoining  it,  as  a  measure, 
be  says, to  prevent  the  enemy's  occupying  fort  George, 
alter  he  had  left  it.  On  the  I8th  of  the  same  mouth 
the  Bri^'sh  crossed  to  Lewistown,  in  considerable 
force, and  burnt  it  to  the  ground;  when  their  AUies 
were  set  at  liberty,  and  indulged  freely  in  their  brutal, 
excesses,  in  murdering  our  defenceless  citizens ;  they 
then  attacked  and  burnt  Manchester,  and  Tuscarora, 
the  latter  an  Indian  town.  In  the  mean  time  the  Bri- 
tish attacked  tort  Niagara,  and  took  it  by  storm,  at  4 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  19th;  the  gate  being 
open,  afler  they  had  surprised  the  picket  they  entered 
before  they  were  discovered,  when  a  scene  of  terrible 
slaughter  took  place.    They  were  not  opposed  by 


risQii  more 


HISTOftT  OP  TMB  WAR* 


899 


m^t^xeiep)  a  fe'ur  wouiidiid  meii  in  the  southeast blocli 
Itouse,  aiul  a  few  of  the  ^uard,  but,  strange  as  it  may 
tippear,  the  otenty  bayonetted  about  80  of  our  men» 
chiefly  atWr  th^y  had  cried'  for  quarters.  The  pre- 
ceeding  facts  were  sworn  to  before  a  justice,  by  Roberl 
Lee,  a  gentleman  of  Lewistown,  who  was  in  the  fori 
when  taken. 

Burniwf  of  Hnffafoa  atid  Black  Rock.-^Soon  after 
the  atormiiig  of  foil;  Niagara,  and  the  burning  of  Lew- 
iatown,  8tc.  Maj.  Gen.  Hall  repaired  to  the  frontiers* 
for  the  purpose  of  collecting  a  force,  (militia)  suffit 
cient  to  defend  B«iiFaloe  and  Black  Rock.  From  ttie 
22d,  Dec  to  the  29th,  Geii.  Hall  had  collected  aboul 
2000  troops,  militia  and  exempts,  but  was  reduced  to 
1200  by  desertions,  on  the  morning  of  the  battle  ot  the 
30th.  In  the  evening  of  the  29lb  (says  Gen.  Hall,  in 
a  letter  of  the  30th  Dec.  to  Gov.  Tompkins,^  at  about 
12  o'clock,  1  received  information  that  one  of  ourpa- 
troles  had  been  fired  on,  one  mile  below  Black  RdcU* 
The  eoeaiv  advanced  and  took  possession  of  the  bat-r 
tery  near  Qonjokaties  creek.  Tne  troops  were  imme- 
diately formed,  and  stood  by  their  arms.  I  was  nut 
yet  certain  what  point  the  enemy  meant  to  attack. 
Being  anxious  to  anticipate  the  enemy's  landing,  to 
meet  him  at  the  water's  edge,  I  gave  orders  for  the 
troops  at  the  Rock,  to  attack  the  enemy,  and  dislodge 
them  from  the  battery,  and  to  drive  them  their  boats. 
The  attempt  failed  through  the  confusion  into  which  the 
militia  were  thrown,  on  the  first  fire  of  the  enemy,  and 
the  darkness  of  the  night.  I  then  ordered  corps  un- 
der Major  Adams,  and  Col.  Chapin,  to  make  Uie  at- 
tack. These  three  detachments  were  thrown  into, 
confusion,  and  were  of  no  service  afterwards.  As  the 
day  dawned,  1  discovered  a  detachment  ofthe  enemy's 
boiits  crossing  to  our  shore,  and  bending  their  course 
towards  the  rear  of  Gen.  Porter's  house.  I  immedi- 
ately ordered  Col.  Biakeslie  to  attack  the  enemy's, 
force  at  the  Water's  edge.  I  now  became  satisfied  as 
to  the  disposition  and  object  of  the  enemy.  Their 
left  wing  composed  of  about  1000  regulars,  militiat 


s    1 

1 

! 

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msTOttr  oi»  TH«  WAtt. 


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and  Indians,  had  been  laiuled  below  the  creek,  tinder 
cover  of  the  night.  Witii  their  centre  consisting  of 
400  royal  Scotts,  commanded  by  CoU  Gordon,  the 
battle  was  commenced.  Their  right  which  was  pqr- 
posely  weak,  was  landed  near  the  main  battery,  mere- 
ly to  divert  our  force,  the  whole  under  the  immediate 
command  of  Lieut.  Gen.  Drommond  and  led  on  by 
Maj.  Gen.  Riall.  They  were  attacked  by  fonr 
field  pieces  in  the  battery  and  at  the  water*s  edge ; 
at  the  same  time  the  battery  from  the  other  side  of  the 
river  opened  a  heavy  fire  upon  us,  of  shells,  hot  shot, 
and  ball.  The  whole  force  now  opposed  to  the  enemy 
was  at  most,  not  over  600  men,  the  remainder  having 
fled,  in  spite  of  the  exertions  of  their  officers.  These 
few,  but  brave  men,  disputed  every  inch  of  ground, 
with  the  steady  coolness  of  veterans,  at  the  espenee  of 
many  valuable  lives.  The  defection  of  the  militia, 
and  the  reserve,  and  loss  of  the  services  of  the  cavalry, 
by  reason  of  the  ground  on  which  they  must  act,  left  the 
forces  engaged,  exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire  in  front 
and  flank.  After  standing  their  ground  for  half  an 
hour,  opposed  by  an  overwhelming  force  and  nearly 
surrounded,  a  retreat  became  necessary  to  their  safety, 
and  was  accordingly  ordered.  I  then  made  every  ef- 
fort to  i^lly  the  troops,  with  a  view  to  attack  their 
columns  as  they  entered  the  village  of  Buffaloe ; 
but  all  in  vain.  Deserted  by  my  principal  force  I  fell 
back  that  night  to  Eleven  Mile  creek,  and  was  forced 
to  leave  the  flourishing  villages  of  Black  Rock  and 
Buflaloe  a  prey  to  the  enemy,  which  they  have  pillag- 
ed and  laid  in  ashes.  They  have  gained  but  little 
plunder  from  the  public  stores ;  the  chief  loss  has  fal* 
len  upon  individuals.' 

Our  loss  was  50  killed,^*-  40  wounded,-*-  and  69 
prisoners,  and  one  cannon.  *  I  regret  to  add,  (says 
Gen.  Hall,  to  Gov.  Tompkins,  in  his  letter  of  Jan.  13) 
that  on  repossessing  the  battle  ground,  %e  collect- 
ed 50  dead  bodies,  yet  unburied,  of  the  battle  of  the 
30th  alt  The  enemy  admit  their  loss,  to  be,  initilM 
apd  wounded,  900,' 


91STOKY  .OF  THB  WAII. 


9m 


i^'ixm  r,  •>.  Col.  Butler  to  Gen.  Harrmn, 

[.  Detroit,  M«rch  7, 1814. 

{Exiracl^  SIR— By  Lieat.  Shannon,  of  tbi)  27th 
regiment,  V,  S.  infantry,  1  have  the  honor  of  inforaoH 
ing  you,  thai  a  iletachiDenI  of  the  troops  under  ny 
command,  led  by  Oapt.  Holmes  of  the  24th  regiment, 
U.  S.  infantry,  liave  obtAined  asignal  victory  over.the 
enemy; 

:  ThMB  affair  took  place  on  the  4th  iost.  about  1^00 
miles  from  this  place,  on  the  river  De  Trench.  Our 
force  consisted  of  no  more  than  160  rangers  mid 
moiuited  infantry.  The  enemy,  had  from  their  own 
acknowLedgmeoA  236.  The  fine  light  company 
of^e  royal  Scots  is  totally  destroyed  ;  they  led  the 
;iltaickmost  gallantiy,  and  their  commander  fell  with- 
in ten  paces  of  our  front  line.  The  light  company  of 
tbe^^dm  has  also  suffered  severely  ;  one  officer  of  that 
company  fell,  one  is  a  prisoner,  and  another  is  said  to 
be  badly  wounded.  In  killed,  and  wounded,  and  pri- 
soners, the  enemy  lost  about  80 — whilst  on  our^art 
tibere  were  but  four  killed  and  tour  wounded.  This 
great  disparity  in  the  loss  on  each  side,  is  to  be  attri^ 
buied  to  be  very  judicious  positiou  occupied  by  Capt. 
Holmes,  who  compelled  the  enemy  to  attack  him  at 
grei4  disadvantage ;  this,  even  more  than  his  gallantry, 
verits  the  laurel. 

We  took  one  hundred  head  of  cattle  also  from  tlie 
enemy,  intended  for  Long  Point  or  Burlington. 

H.  BUTLER,  Lieut.  Col. 

WARRINGTON'S  VICTORY. 

Copt,  Wfinv^toH  to  the  Secrelary  of  the  Navy. 

V.  S.  sloop  Peacock,  at  sea,  April  29th,  1814. 

[J^tract]  SIR-^I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you^ 
that  we  have  this  morning  captured,  after  an  action  of 
43  minutes,  his  Miyesty's  brig  £pervier,  rating  and 
mounting  18  32  pound  carroaades,  with  128  men,  of 
whom  It  were  kiled  and  15  wounded.  Not  amau 
ill:  tN  Peacock  was  killed  and  only  two  wounded, 
uaitber  dangerously  so.  The  fate  of  the  Epervier 
would  have  been  determined  in  much  less  time,  bitt 


4# 


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ntsfonv  <bF  *rnn  'WAM. 


li^VH^ 


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,  I 


for  the  circHTOstanceft  of  our  •  fore-yard  l^eing^  totally 
disabled  by  two  round  shot  in  tlie  starboard  quarter 
from  her  first  broadside,  which  eiitiraiy  dejMived  us  of 
the  use  uf  our  fore  and  fore-tbp-sails,  and  compelled  us 
to  keep  the  ship  large  tbrongnoat  the  reikiJiiinder  of  the 
action.  ' 

This,  with  a  few  top-mast  and  top-^lant-bock 
stays  cut  away,  a  few  shot  through  our  sails,  is  the  oiw 
Iv  injury  the  Peacock  has  sustained.  Nbta  roaiid 
shot  touched  our  hull  $  our  masts  and  dpars  are  a& 
sound  as  ever.  When  the  en^my  struck,  he  bad  five 
feet  water  in  his  hold,  his  maifn^top-maKt  was  over  tha 
side,  his  main  boom  shot  away^  his  ioreoDiast  cut  near- 
ly in  twu  and  tottering,  his  fore  rigging  aitd  stays  shot 
away,  his  bowsprit  badly  wounded,  and  45  ^t  holes 
in  his  hull,  20  ot'  which  wero  within  a  foot  of  his  water 
line.  By  great  exertion,  we  got  h6r  in  sailing  ordei^ 
just  as  the  dark  came  on. 

In  15  minutes  aller  the  enemy  struck,  the  Peacock 
was  ready  for  another  action,  in  every  respect  but  her 
lbre*>yard,  which  was  sent  down,  finished,  and  had  the 
fore-sail  set  again  in  45  niinlites — such  was  the  spirit 
and  activity  oi  our  gal  lant  ctvw.  Tlie  Epervierhad  un« 
der  her  convoy  an  English  liermaphrmlite  brig,  a 
Russian  and  a  Spanish  ship,  which  all  hauled  their 
wind  and  stood  to  the  £.  N.  E.  I  bad  determined 
upon  pursuing  the  former,  but  found  that  it  would  not 
answer  to  leave  our  prize  in  her  then  crippled  state;  and 
the  more  particularly  so,  as  we  found  she  had  $120,000 
ill  specie,  which  we  soon  transferred  to  this  sloop. 
Every  ofiicer,  seamen  and  marine  did  his  duty,  which 
is  the  highest  complement  1  can  pay  them. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,&c. 

L.  WARRINGTON. 

Lieut,  Woolsey  to  Com.  Chauncey. 
^  Sackett's  Harbor,  June  I,  1814. 

\Extract.'\  SIR — I  had  the  honor  to  receive  per 
express  your  communication  of  the  27lh,  vesting.in 
me  discretionary  powers.    I  immediately  despntclied 


HISTORY  OF  T|IE   WAJgi. 


^n 


i\fr.  Dixon  in  the  long  gig,  to  reconnoitre  the  coast, 
f  weut  witii  uiy  officers  to  the  falls,  to  run  the  t>oabs 
4owapvor  the  rapids.  At  sun  set  we  arrived  at  Os- 
v/ago  Wit|)  th^  boats  (1(1  in  number)  loaded  in  alt 
with  21  long  3*2  pounders,  ten  ^4  pounders,  three  42 
do.  (carronades)  and  10  cables,  besides  some  ligh( 
articles,  apd  distributed  in  t[ie  batteaux  a  giiard  of 
about  1-50  ridemen,  under  command  of  Major  Ap- 
pling. Mr.  Dixou  having  returned  with  a  report  bf 
th^  coast  being  clear,  we  set  o/Tat  dark  and  arriVec^ 
at  Bjg  l^^lmpn  river  about  sunrise  on  the  29th,  witl| 
th^  loss  of  one  boat  having  on  board  two  24  pOiUnder^ 
^d  one  cablp. 

At  Big  Salmon  we  met  the  Oneidas,  whom  I  ha4 
despatched  the  day  previous,  undisr  tlie  comniahd  of 
Liet^t.  {ijH,  of  the  rifl^  regiuieiit.     As  soon '^as  they 
haci  talcen  up  their  line  of  inarch  along  the  shore  to 
Big  Sandy  Cceek,  I  ^t^rted  with  ail  the -boats  and  ar- 
rived  at  our  place  of  destination  about  two  niiJes  up 
lhe.Ci'9ek.     AV^  P-  M-  on  the  BOtFi,  Ireceived  your 
letter  ,of  the  29th,  6  P.  M.  per  .eK])ress,  and  agreeably 
to  the  order  cuittau^d  therein,  sent  Lieut.  Pierce  tp 
luoKout  as  far  as  ^Stip^ney  Ppiiit :  about  Q  he  returned^ 
having  been  pursued  by  »  gun  boat  and  three  barges. 
Tjie  qesit'  possible  disposition  was  made  of  the  rifle- 
men and  Lidiafis,  about  h^lf  a  mile  below  our  boats. 
About  8  ^.  IM.  a  cannonading  at  long  tihot  was  com- 
meticedby  the  enemy *>  and  betievifig  (as  I  did)  that 
no  attempt  would  be  made  W>  land  with  their  small 
force,  I  ordered  Lieut.  Pierce  to  proceed  in  erecting 
sheers  and  making  preparations  to  unload  the  boa,ts. 
About  9  o'clock  Capt.  Harris   with  a  squadron  of  ; 
dr.igoons,  and  Capt.  Meiviu  with  a  conipany  of  ligl^t 
artillery  ^nd  2  O*pounders,  arrived.    Capt.   Harris, 
Ihecommandiug  officer,  agreed  with  me  that  this  re- 
intorcement  should  halt,  as  the  troops  best  calculated 
for  a  biis!)  tight  were  alreiidy  on  t^i^  ground,   where 
tliey  could  act  to  the  greatest  advantage,  and  that  the 
pueiuy  seKing  a  large  reiiiforcemenjt  arrive,'  would 
ntoiit  probably  retreat.    About  ^0,  the  enemy'  having 


•3& 


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208 


BISTORT  OF  THE  WAR. 


11 


(    -f 


tftnded  and  pushed  up  the  creek  with  fuur  gun  boats, 
three  cutters,  atid  one  gig— the  riflemen  under  that 
excellent  officer.  Major  Appling,  rose  from  their  con- 
cealment, and  after  a  smart  fire  of  about  10  mhiutes, 
succeeded  in  capturing  all  the  boats  and  their  crews, 
without  one  havmg  escaped.  At  al)0ut  5  P.  M. 
buried,  with  the  honors  of  war.  Mi.  Hoare  (a  British 
midshipman)  killed  in  the  action. 

The  enipuiv's  loss  in  this  aifatr,  is  14  killed,  28 
wounded*  and  141  prisoners,  including  two  post 
Captains,  and  six  Lieutenants ;  4  gun  boats,  one  car- 
rying 1  24-poundc'r,  and  one  68  lb.  carrouade ;  each 
of  the  others  carrying  two  heavy  guns;  two  cutters 
and  one  gig. 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  $cc. 

'\  M.  T.  WOOI^SEY. 

« ^■■'  _^ '  .  .  .    .  ■ 

;  '  LOSS  OF  THE  ESSEX. 

*  ;        Capt.  Porter  to  the  Secretary  of'  the  NavyS 
Essex  Junior^  at  sea,  July  3,  1814. 
{Extract^  SIR — I  sailed  from  the  Delaware,  Oct. . 
27,  1812,  and  repaired  to  Poil  Praya,  Noronlio,  and 
Ciipe  Frio.     On  my  passage  from  Port  Pray  a  to  No- 
ronho,  I  captured  hisB.  M.  Packet  Norton ;  af\ertak-l 
ing  out  1 1,000  pounds  sterling  in  specie,  sent  her  fori 
America.    Oft  Cape  Frio  1  captured  a  schooner  withi 
hides  and  tallow,  and  sent  her  into  Porto  Rico.    11 
proceeded  to  St.  Catherines,  to  supply  my  ship  with 
jpro visions.     From  St.  Catherines  I  shaped  my  cuur 
for  the  Pacific,  and  arrived  at  Valparaiso  March  14J 
1^13.     Of  the  success  we  met  with  iii  our  next  cruisef 
\<)u  have  been  informed  in  my  letter  of  July  2,  IHlliJ 
1  received  information  that  the  Phoebe  frigate,  anl 
tlacoon  and  Cherub  sloops  of  war,  were  in  pur;<iuitu| 
me.     My  sitip,  after  being  near  a  year  at  sea,  reqiiirl 

y'  ^  some  repairs  to  put  her  in  a  state  to  meet  thinir 
'  which  1  determined  to  do,  and  repaired,   with  mj 

'-.  prizes,  to  the   Island  of  Nooaheevah,    or  iliadiiicj 

^  'Island,  where  I  completely  overhauled  my  ship,  m 
took  on  board,  from  the  pr17.es,  provisious  and  slor 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAS.  99^ 

for  upwards  of  four  months,  andsaiit,J!  A>r  the  coast 
of  dliilit  Deci    12, 1813.     Previous  to  sailing  I  se- 
cured the   Serintj^apatam,  Greenwich,  and  Sir    A. 
Hammond,  under  the  guns  of  a  battery  which  I  had 
erected  for  their  protection ;  (after  taking  possession 
of  this  fine  tsland,  for  the  IT iiited  States,  and  estab- 
lishing the  most  friendly  intercourse  with  its  natives) 
I  led  them  tinder  the  care  of  Lie<it.  Gamble  and  -21 
men,  with  orders  to  repair  to  Valparaiso  after  a  cer- 
tain period.     Relieving  Cum.  Hillyer  would  be  most 
likely  to  appear  at  Valparaiso  first,  I  therefore  deter- 
mined to  cruise  about  that  place.    Agreeably  to  my 
expectations  the  Com.  arrived  at  that  place ;    but 
contrary  to  my  expectations,  he  brought  with  him  the 
Cherub  sloop  of  war,  mounting  28  guns,  and  a  com- 
plement of  180  men.     The  force  of  the  Phoebe,  the 
Com*s.  flag  ship,  was  30  long  18  pounders,  16  32  b. 
carronades,  and  7  3  pounders  in  her  tops,   in  all  53 
guns,  and  a  crew  of  320  men ;  making  a  force  of  81 
gtiHS  and  500  men.    The  force  of  the  Essex  was  40 
32  lb.  carronades  and  6  long  twelve*  j,  and  her  crew 
had  bisen  reduced  by  manning  out  her  prizes  to  255 
men.     They  provisioned,  and  went  off  the  port  for 
the  purpose  of  blockading  me.     I  (»t'ten  endeavored 
to  provoke  a  challenge,  and  bring  the  Phoebe  alone 
to  action  with  the  Essex,  but  without  success.     There 
were  no  hopes  of  any  advantages  to  my  country  from 
a  longer  stay  in  port ;  I  therefore  determined  to  put 
to  sea  the  first  opportunity.    The  28th  of  March,  the 
day  after  this   resolution  was  formed,  the  wnid  blew 
fresh  from  the  southward,  when  I  parted  my  larboard 
cable  and  dragged  directly  out  to  sea.     Not  a  mo- 
ment was  to  be  lost  in  getting  sail  on  the  ship.     On 
rounding  the  point  a  heavy  squall  struck  us,  and  car- 
ried away  our  main  top-mast,  precipitating  four  men 
into  the  sea,  who  drowned,    Both  ships  now  gave 
chase ;  seeing  I  could  not  recover  my  former  anchor- 
age in  my  disabled  state,  I  ran  close  into  a  small  bay, 
and  anchored  within  pistol  shot  of  the  shore,  .  under 
clover  of  two  batteries  off  Valparaiso,  which  being 


II    'I 


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is  ■ 

.  kih' 

M 


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AifstottV  oir  Tur.  WAit. 


'■iif 


neutral  w6re  bound  to  protect  me ;  at  Icnst  till  J  had 
repaired  damageit.  I  had  not  succeeded  in  repairing^ 
or  getting'  a  spring  on  my  cable  when  the  enemy  at 
54  minutes  past  8,  P.  M.  made  hit  attatk.  The 
Phoebe  placing  herself  under  my  stern,  and  the  Che> 
rub  on  my  starboard  hovr ;  butfindhfig  that  gitnation  a 
hot  one,  she  bore  up  and  run  under  my  stern  also ; 
Sirhere  both  ships  kept  up  a  raking  fire.  I  had  got 
3  loiig  12  pbunders  out  of  the  stem  porti),  which  were 
worked  with  so  much  bravery  that  in  half  an  hour  we 
so  disabled  both  as  to  compel  them  to  had  off  to  re- 
pair damages.  My  ship  had  received  many  injuries, 
abd  severdl  had  been  killed  and  wounded,  but  all  ap- 
peared determined  to  defend  the  ship  to  the  last,  and 
to  die  in  preference  to  a  shameful  surrender.  The 
enemy  soon  repaired  his  damages,  and  made  a  fresh 
attack  with  both  ships  on  my  starboard  quarter,  out 
of  reach  of  my  icarronades,  and  M'here  my  stem  guns 
could  not  be  brought  to  bear— he  there  kept  up  a  gal- 
ling' (ire  which  it  was  out  of  my  power  to  return. 
]Thd  only  rope  not  cut  was  the  flying  gib- halliards, 
and  that  being  the  only  sail  I  could  set,  1  caused  it  to 
be  hoisted,  my  cables  to  be  cut,  and  run  down  on 
both  ships,  with  an  intetition  of  laying  the  Phoebe  on 
"bdard. 

The  firing  on  both  sides  was  now  tremendous ;  I 
had  let  fall  my  fore-topsaii  and  foresail,  but  the 
waut  of  tacks  and  sheets  rendered  them  useless,  yet 
were  we  enabled  for  a  short  time  to  close  with  the 
en^my,  although  our  decks  were  strewed  M^ith  the 
dead,  otir  cockpit  filled  with  wounded^  our  ship  had 
been  several  times  on  fire,  and  a  perfect  wrecK,  we 
were  still  encouraged  to  hone  to  save  her,  as  the 
Chemb  in  her  crippled  state,  liad  been  compelled  to 
haul  off.  The  Phoebe,  from  our  disabled  state,  was 
enabled  to  edge  oft',  and  choose  her  distance,  for  her 
long  guns,  and  kept  up  such  a  tremendous  fire,  as  to 
mow  down  my  brave  companions  by  the  dozen.  I 
now  gave  up  all  hopes  of  closing  w.th  h.m,  and  de- 
tei-mined  to  run  onshore,  land  my  men,  and  destroy 


iil 


ktiiiriiaa 

\  repairing 
5  en€finy  at 
Bck.    The 
Itbe  Che. 
sitnation  a 
fd^rn  also ; 
1  had   got 
vhich  were 
in  hour  we 
qI  off  to  re- 
ny  injuries, 
but  all  ap- 
le  last,  and 
ider.    The 
ide  a  fresh 
]narter,  oiil 
f  stem  guns 
pt  up  a  gal- 
to  return. 
[b-haUiards, 
aused  it  to 
n  down  on 
Phoebe  on 


endous;  I 
but  the 
iseless,  yet 
with  the 
d  With  the 
r  ship  had 
wreck,  we 
ler,  as  the 
mpelled  to 
state,  was 
ce,  for  her 
tire,  as  to 
dozen.     I 
ahdde- 
ud  destroy 


tfififdAV  o]i<  'tub  WAki. 


tm 


th«  Vessel.    We  had  approached  the  s\\6ft  wilhJn 
tdttsket  shot,  when  in  an  instant  the  wind  shifted,  and 
pv.yed  our  head  down  on  the  Phoebe.     My  ship  wait 
now  totally  unmanageable ;  yet,  as  her  head  Was  tO" 
ward  the  c^eAiti  and  he  to  the  leeWard  of  me,  I  Ktill 
hopeidto  be  vMt  to  board  him.     Finding  the  enemy 
was  determined  to  avoid  being  boarded,  and  my  ship 
alarmingly  on  tire,  and  the  slaughter  on  board  having^ 
become  most  horrible,  I  directed  a  hawser  to  be  bent 
to  the  sheet  anchor,  and  the  bow  anchor  to  be  cut,  to 
bring  her  hc^ad  round  :  this  succeeded,  and  we  again 
got  our  gunil  to  bear ;  but  the  hawser  soon  gave  way 
and  left  us  a  perfect  Wreck.    Hie  flames  were  fommt- 
ing  np  the  hatchway,  and  no  hopes  were  entertained 
of  saving  the  ship,  as  a  quantity  of  powder  had  al- 
ready exploded,  and  the  fire  h.ta  nearly  reached  the 
magazine.  Which  served  to  increase  the  hon'ora  of  out 
(itaation.     I  therefore  directed  those  who  conid  swiin 
to  jiimp  overboard  and  gain  the  shore.    Some  teue^h- 
ed  itr^some  were  taken  by  the  enemy-^and  some 
perished.    We  who  remained,  turned  our  attention 
wholly  to  extinguishing  the  flames  •,  when  we  had 
succeeded,  went  again  to  our  guns,  TV'here  the  firing 
was  kept  up  for  some  minutes.     Almost  every  gun 
having  been  dismounted,  and  the  impossvbnity  of 
making  further  attempts  to   capture  our  antagonists, 
and  the  entreaties  ot  the  remainder  of  my   brave 
jrew,  to    surrender    to   save  the   wounded,  I  sent 
for  the  officers  of  divisions  to  consult  them,  but 
\irhat  was  my  surprise,  to  find  only  aeting  Lieut 
M'Knight  remahiing.    I  was  informs  that  the  cock- 
pit, steerage,  wardroom,  and  birth-deck  would  con- 
tain no  more  wounded ;  and  that  the  ship  was  fUHn^ 
with  water  Very  fast.    The  enemy  were  enabled  from 
the  smoothness  of  the  water,  to  take  aim  at  us  as  a 
target— *in  fine,  !  saw  no  hopes  of  saving  my  vessel 
or  making  my  escape,  and  at  20  minutes  past  6  P.  M. 
;ifave  the  painful  order  to  strike  the  colors.     Seveuty- 
iive  men,  including  officers,  were  all  that  remained 
of  my  crew  when  the  colors  were  struck,  capable  of 


\t'-K^ 


ii  ,i 


■i;    , 


il 


..i 

,: 

■ 

;    t 

i/f: 

i'^ 

V- 

' ;:               .  \ 

302 


HISTOBT  OF  THS  WAR. 


I  It 


doingf  doty.  I  directed  an  oppoNite  gun  fired  to  nhew 
we  intended  no  further  resistance ;  but  they  did  not 
desist;  a  number  ol  men  wr**?  killed  by  my  side  and  in 
other  parts  of  the  ship.  I  now  believed  he  intends  d  to 
show  us  no  quart* r,  and  thought  it  would  be  as  well  to 
die  with  my  flag  flying  as  struck,  and  was  on  the 
point  of  again  hoisting  it,  when  10  minutes  aft«r 
fiiiuling  the  colors  down,  he  ceased  firing.         ,„<,,.' 

I  must  in  justification  of  mvself  and  crew  observe, 
that  with  our  six  twelve  fiouiiclers  only,  we  fought  this 
action,  our  carronades  being  almost  useless. 

Our  loss  is  58  killed — 65  wounded — and  31  mis- 
ling — total  154.        I  have  the  honor,  Ike. 

DAVID  PORTER. 

[Extract]  Com.  Chauncei/  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 
U.  8.  ship  (Superior,  Sackett's  Harbor,  IViay  16, 1H14. 
The  enemy  has  paid  dearly  for  the  little  liooty 
which  he  obtained  at  Oswego.  From  the  best  infor- 
mation which  1  can  collect,  both  from  desertf  rs  and 
my  agents,  the  enemy  lost  70  men  killed  and  165 
wounded,  drowned  and  missing — in  all,  235  ;  nearly 
~lu>  many  as  were  opposed  to  them.  Capt.  Mulcaster 
is  certainly  mortally  wounded  ;  a  Capt,  of  marines 
killed,  and  a  number  of  other  officers  killed  aud 
wounded. 

Col.  Mitchell^  to  Gen.  Brown. 
Head   Quarters,   Oswego,  May  8th,  18J4. 
[Extract]  SIR— I  niforined  you  of  my   arrival   at 
fort  Oswego  on  the  30th  ult.    This  post   L>eing  but 
occasionally  and  not  recently  occupied  by  regular 
Jtroops,  was  in  a  bad  state  of  defence.    Of  cannon  we 
bad  out  five  old  guns,  three  of  which  had  lost  their 
trunnions.     What  could  be  done  in  the  way  of  repair 
was  eflected.    On  the  5th  inst.  the  British  naval  tone, 
consisting  of  four  large  ships,  three  brigs  and  a  num- 
ber of  gun  and  other  boats  were  descried  at  reveillebi  aU 
ing  about  seven  miles  from  the  fort.     Iiilormalion 
was  immediately  given  to  Capt.  Woulsey  of  the  navvr 


'  \ 


HISTORY  OF  THV  WAR. 


303 


(inho  was  at  OHwego  villiige)  and  to  the  neighboring 
militia,     li  being  doubtful  on  what  Mide  of  the  river 
the  enemy  would  attem|>t  to  land,  and  my  force,  (390 
effectiveii)  being  too  nmall  to  bear  division,  I  ordered 
the  tentH  in  Ntorc  to  be  pitched  on  the  village  side, 
while  I  occupied  the  other  with  uiy  whole  force.     It 
is  probable  that  this  artifice  had  its  eOect  and  deter- 
mined  the  enemy  to  attack  where,  from  appearances, 
they    expected  the   least   o|>i>osition.     About    one 
o'clcok  the  fleet  approached.    Fifteen  boats,  large  and 
crowded  with  truo|)s,  at  a  given  signal,  moved  slow- 
ly to  the  shore.    These  were  preceded   by  gun-boats 
sent  to  ruke  the  woods  and  cover  the  landing,  while 
the  larger  vessels  opened  a  fire  upon  the  fort.     Gapt. 
Boyle  and  Lieut.  Legute,  (so  soon  as  the  debarking 
boats  got  within  range  of  our  shot)  opened  upon  them 
a  very   successful  fire  from  the  shore  battery,  and 
compelled  iheiu  twice  to  retire.    They  at  length  re- 
turned to  the  ships  and  the  whole  stood  oiF  from  the 
shore  for  better  anchorage.    One  of  the  enemy's  boats 
which  had  been  deserted,  was  taken  up  by  us,  and 
some  others  by  the  militia.    The  first  mentioned  was 
sixty  feet  long,  carried  thirty-six  oars  and  three  sails 
and  could  accommodate  150  men.    She  had  receiv- 
ed a  ball  through  her  bow,  and  was  nearly  filled  with 
water. 

At  day  break  on  the  6th  the  fleet  appeared  bear- 
ing up  under  easy  sail.  The  Wolfe,  &c.  took  a  posi- 
tion directly  against  thefortand  batteries,  and  for  three 
hours  kept  up  a  heavy  fire  of  grape,  &c.  Finding  that 
the  enemy  had  effected  a  landing,  I  withdrew  my 
small  disposable  force  into  the  rear  of  the  fort,  and 
with  two  companies  met  their  advancing  columns, 
while  the  other  companies  engaged  the  flanks  of  the 
enemy.  Lieut.  Pearce  of  the  navy  and  some  seamen, 
joined  in  the  attack  and  fought  with  their  character- 
istic bravery.  We  maintained  our  ground  about 
thirty  minutes,  and  as  lO'.ig  as  consisted  with  my  fur- 
ther duty  of  defending  the  public  stores  deposited  at 
the  tails,  which  no  doubt  formed  the  principal  obfect 


1 


.  ii  j*i 


I  I 


\   ) 


i? 


Il1i 


ao4 


UJ9T0RY  QF  THIC  WAR. 


:]■ 


II'! 


of  the  #;tpodilion  on  the  part  of  the  enemy.  Nor  was 
tliia  inovttnMnt  made  prccipitattfly.  I  halted  witliin 
400  yards  of  the  fort  Capt.  HuQiay»e*«  compuny 
fprmed  the  rear  guard,  aiid,  reoiaiiiing  with  it,  I 
lyiarohed  to  this  place  in  good  ordvr,  destroying  the 
bridges  in  my  rear.  The  enemy  landed  six  hundred 
of  D^  WatleviUe's  regiment,  six  hundred  marines, 
two  companies  of  the  Glengary  corps,  and  three  hun- 
dred and  ttHy  seamen. 

.  Gen.  Pruiumood  and  Cora.  Yeo  were  the  land  and 
naval  commanders.  They  burned  th^  old  Lyracks 
9nd  evacuated  the  fort  about  ^  o'clopk  in  the  uiorning 
•I  tlie  7ih. 

Otv  loss  in  killed,  is  six  ;  in  wonnded,  Ihjrty-eight 
-«»4ind  in  missing,  twenty  five.  7'he  enemy  lost  70 
l(ilLed>  and  14i5  wouodtd,  drowned,  ^nd  prisoners. 

iSfn.  Brmn  tQ  the  Secretary,  of  War, 
He0d-(^uarterMXhipp^wat  July  Itft,  1814. 
[Eictraot.]  HIH-^Outhe.  2d  inst.  I  isMied  orders 
for  croseing  the  Niagara,  and  made  arrangements 
deemed  necessary  for  souring  the  garri8t)n  of  Port 
£ne— 4he  3d,  th^  post  surrendered*  at  6  P.  M.  Our 
loss  in  ftbie  affiiir,  was  4  wouud^d ;  i<i7  prisoners,  in- 
cluding 1  Miy.  I  Capt.  9Jyieuts.  and  1  ensign,  with 
the  amniuniiiun  and  cannon  belonging  to  the  post 
were  slirrendered  to  vs. 

!.«~0n  the  morning  of  jthe  41^,  Qrig.  Gen.  Scott,  was 
ordered  to  advance  towards  Chippewa,  and  be 
governed  by  cirfjamstonces  i  taking  c^re  to  secure  a 
good  military  pasition  for  the  night ;  after  some  skir- 
aaishing*  he  selected  this  plain  -^ith  the  eye  cif  a  sol- 
dier* his  right  resting  on  tne  riv«r,  and  a  ravjne  j^eing 
in  fft>nt.  At  U  at  night  I  joined  him,  with  the  reserve 
vnder  3rig.  Gen.  Ripley*  with  a«ir  fijeld  And  battering 
tnunx,  and  corps  of  artillery.  The  next  meriting  Gen* 
Forlei' furnved  with  a  part  of  {the  X^ennsylv^pia  and 
N.  York  volunteers,  aud  some  Indians.  ]£arly  ii| 
the  morning  ofthei^thf  ^he  enemy  commenced  a  petty 
war  oppn  our  pickets,  and,  as  he  was  indulged,  hit 
presumption  increased. 


F18TORY   OF  TItB  WAK. 


605 


At  4  P.  M.  ai(reeai>ly  to  my  ordcrii,  Gen.  Porter 
advanced  from  the  rear  of  uur  cannp*  takiii|yf  th« 
woods  in  order  lo  keep  out  of  view  of  the  enemy,  in 
hopes  of  Nurronndinjjf  their  Mruuling  nurtien.  In 
half  an  hour  Purter'N  command  met  the  light  |mrNei« 
and  drove  them  to  camp  ;  and  near  Chippewa,  i  f  t 
their  whole  column  in  order  of  battle.  I  immediiUe- 
ly  ordered  Geii.  Scott  to  rdvance  with  his  brigade, 
and  Towsan*s  aKillery,  who  met  them  upon  the  hiu^h 
plain  in  front  of  our  camp.  He  advanced  in  the 
moMt  officer  like  style,  and  in  a  few  minutes  was  in 
close  action,  with  a  superior  force  of  British  regulars. 
Gen.  Porter's  command  had  given  way,  and  fled  in 
every  direction,  which  cauHcd  Scott's  left  flank  to  be 
greatly  exposed.  Capt.  Harris,  with  his  dragoons, 
was  directed  to  stop  the  fugitiveti,  behind  the  ravine 
frontmg  our  cump ;  Gen.  Ripley  was  directed  to  pnss 
to  the  left  and  skirt  the  woods,  so  as  to  keep  out  of 
view,  and  fall  upon  the  rear  of  the  enemy's  rignt  flank. 
This  order  was  promptly  obeved,  and  the  greatest 
exertions  made  to  close  with  the  enemy  —but  in  vain  ; 
for  such  was  the  zeal  and  activity  of  the  line  com- 
manded by  Gen.  Scott,  that  it  was  not  to  be  checked. 
Maj.  Jessup,  commanding  the  left  flank,  finding  him- 
self pressed  in  front  and  flank,  and  his  men  falling 
fast  around  him,  ordered  his  baltallion  to  <  support 
arms,  and  advances*  the  order  was  promptly 
obeyed,  amidst  a  most  deadly  and  destructive  fire. 
He  gained  a  more  secure  position,  and  returned  upon 
the  eneniy  so  galling  a  discharge,  as  caused  them  to 
retire.  By  this  time  their  whole  line  was  falling 
back,  and  our  gallant  soldiers  pressing  upon  them, 
when  they  broke  their  lines,  and  ran  to  regain  their 
%vork8.  In  this  effort  he  was  too  s'^ccessfui,  when  ihe 
guns  o|)ened  immediately  upon  our  line,  checked,  in 
swme  degree,  the  pursuit.  At  this  moment,  1  deter- 
mined to  bring  up  my  ordnance,  and  force  the  place  by 
a  direct  attack  ;  Maj.  Wood,  of  the  engineers  and 
Capt.  A'l'^tin,  my  aid,  rode  to  the  right  of  their  line 

'  •-.  .  '30      .  ',  _  ■.,....::  ^'..;  .-.;..;„. 


'     '         t  t  I 

•      t        n  'I 

it  " :      I 


1 


ill 


306 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


i  1 


■  ii  if '  ''■    ' 


!    I! 


of  works  and  examined  them ;  I  was  induced  by  their 
Import,  to  order  the  forces  to  retire  to  camp,  till  a 
future  time.  Respectfully  and  truly  yours, 

JACOB  BROWN. 

AMERICAN   LOSS. 

.    .i    Killed  60 — wounded  244 — missing  19. 

BRITISB  LOSS. 

Killed  199 — wounded  3'iO — prisoners  245. 

..i.  .     Gen.  B^owH  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Buffalo,  Aug.  17,  1814. 
[Extract.]  SIR — Ydu  are  already  apprised  that 
the  army  had  on  the  ^5th  ult.  taken  a  position  at  Chip- 
pewa.   About  noon  uf  that  day,  Col.  Swifl,  who  was 
posted  atLewistown,  advised  me  by  express,  that  the 
enemy  appeared  in  considerable  force  in  dueenstown 
and  on  its  heights ;  that  four  of  the  enemy's  fleet  had 
arrived  during  the  preceding  night,  and  were  then 
laying  near  l^rt  Niagara,  and  that  a  number  of  boats 
were  in  view,  moving  up  the  streight.    Within  a  few 
iQinutes  after  thi»  intelligence  had  been  received,  I 
was  further  informed  by  Gapt.  Denmon,  of  the  Quar- 
ter-Master's department,  that  the  enemy  was  landing 
at  Lewistown,  and  that  our  baggage  and  stores  at 
Schlosser,  and  on  their  way  thither,  were  in  danger  of 
immediate  capture.   Gen.  Scott,  with  the  1st  brigade, 
Townson's  artillery,  and  all  the  dragoons  and  mount- 
ed men,  were  accordingly  put  in  march  on  the  road 
leadmg  to  Queenstown,  with  orders  to  report  if  the 
enemy  appeared,   and  to  call  for  assistance  if  that 
was  necessary.    On  the  General's  arrival  at  the  Falls 
he  learned  that  the  enemy  was  in  force  directly  in  his 
front-— a  narrowpiece  of  woods  alone  intercepting  his 
view  of  them.   Waiting  only  to  give  this  information, 
he  advanced  upon  them.    By  the  time  Assistant  Adj. 
Gen.  Jones  had  delivered  his  message,  the  action  be- 
gan ;  and  before  the  remaining  part  of  the  division 
had  crossed  the  Chippewa,  it  had  become  close  and 
general  between  the  advance  corps.    Though  Gen. 
Ripley  with  the  2d  brigade,  major  Hindman  with  the 


u 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


307 


corps  of  artillery,  and  Gen.  Porter  at  the  head  of  his 
conimand,  had  respectively  pressed  forward  with  ar- 
dor, it  was  not  less  than  an  hour  before  they  were 
brought  to  sustain  Gen.  Scott,  during  which  time  his 
command  most  skilfully  and  gallantly  maintained  the 
conflict.  Upon  my  arrival  I  found  that  the  General 
had  passed  the  wood  and  engaged  the  enemy  at 
Q,neenstown  road,  and  on  thu  ground  to  the  left  of 
it,  with  the  9th,  llth,  and  22d  regts.  and  Townson*8 
artillery.  The  25th  had  been  thrown  to  the  right  to 
be  governed  by  circumstances.  Apprehending  that 
these  corps  were  much  exhausted,  and  knowing  that 
they  had  suffered  severaly,  I  determined  to  interpose 
a  new  line  with  the  advancing  troops,  and  thus  dis- 
engage Gen.  Scott  and  hold  his  brigade  in  reserve. 
Orders  were  accordingly  given  to  Gen.  Riplev.  The 
enemy's  artillery  at  this  moment  occupied  a  hill  which 
gave  him  great  advantages,  and  was  the  key  of  the 
whole  position.  It  was  supported  by  a  line  of  infant- 
ry. To  secure  the  victory,  it  was  necessary  to  carry 
this  artillery  and  seize  the  height.  This  duty  was  as- 
signed to  Col.  Miller,  while,  to  favor  its  execution, 
the  1st  regt.  under  the  command  of  Col.  Nicholas, 
was  directed  to  menace  and  amuse  the  infantry.  To 
my  great  mortification,  this  regt.  after  a  discharge 
or  two,  give  way  and  retreated  some  distance  before 
it  could  be  rallied,  though  it  is  believed  the  ofiicers 
of  the  regiment  exerted  tnemelves  to  shorten  this  dis- 
tance. In  the  mean  time.  Col.  Mdler,  without  re- 
fl^ard  to  this  occurrence,  advanced  steadily  and  gal- 
antly  to  his  object  and  carried  the  height  and  the 
cannon.  Gen.  Kipley  brought  up  the  23d  (which 
had  also  faultered)  to  his  support,  and  the  enemy  dis- 
appeared from  before  them.  The  1st  regiment  was 
now  brought  into  line  on  the  left  of  the  21st,  and  the 
detachments  of  the  17th  and  19th,  Gen.  Porter  oc- 
cupying, with  his  command,  the  extreme  left.  About 
the  time  Col.  Miller  carried  the  enemy's  cannon,  the 
25th  regiment,  under  Maj.  Jessup,  was  engaged  in  a 
more  obsitinAte  conflict  with  all  that  remained  to  d^s- 


:!  ri 


,   )  ■ 


m 

i  !  ''  nil 


!  i 


i 


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m^ 


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i                         ■ 

ly 


308 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WARi 


pute  with  us  tl)«  field  of  battle.  The  Maj.  as  has  been 
ab'eady  stated,  had  been  ordered  by  Gen.  Srott,  at  tl^ 
commencement  of  the  action,  to  take  ground  tp  hi^ 
right.  He  had  succeeded  in  turning  the  eneniv's  left 
flank — had  captured  (by  a  d^t^ichment  under  Captain 
Ketchum)  Geu.  Kiall  qnd  sundry  o^her  officers,  and 
shewed  himself  again  to  his  own  armv,  in  a  bluze  of 
fire,  which  dt^fc^ated  or  destroyed  a  very  superior  force 
of  the  enemy.  He  was  ordered  to  form  on  the  right 
of  the  2d  regiment.  The  enemy  rallying  his  forces, 
and  as  is  believed,  having  received  reinforcements, 
now  attempted  to  driye  us  from  (>ur  position,  and  re- 
gain his  artillery.  Our  line  was  unshaken,  and  the 
^lemy  repulsed.  Two  other  attemptif  haying  the, 
same  object,  had  the  same  issue,  (ien.  Scott  was 
'4gain  engaged  in  repelling  the  fonn^r  of  these;  mid 
the  last  I  saw  of  him  on  the  fielcl  of  bisittie,  he  was. 
near  the  head  pf  his  column,  and  giving  to  its  marph 
a  direction  that  wo\ild  have  placed  hiin  on  the  ene- 
my's right.  It  was  with  great  pleasure  1  saw  the  good 
order  and  intrepidity  of  Gen.  I^oiier's  volunteers  from 
the  moment  of  their  arrival,  bi^t  during  the  last  charge 
of  the  enemy,  those  qualities  werp  conspicuous. 
Stimulated  by  the  examples  set  by  their  gallant  lead- 
er, by  Maj.  Wood,  of  t^e  Pennsylvania  corps,  by  (Jol, 
Dobbin,  of  New- York,  and  by  their  ofllicers  general- 
ly, they  precipitated  themselves  upon  the  enemy's  line, 
and  made  all  the  prisoners  which  were  taken  at  tbl£^ 
point  of  the  action. 

Having  been  fpr  spmetime  x^ounded,  and  being  a 
good  deal  exhausted  by  loss  of  blood,  it  becaoae  my 
wish  to  devolve  the  command  on  Gen.  Scott,  and  re- 
fire/rom  the  field ;  \i\xi  on  enquiry,  I  had  the  misfor- 
tune to  learn,  that  he  was  disabled  by  wpnnds;  I 
therefore  kept  my  ppst,  and  had  the  satisfs^ction  to  see 
the  enemv^s  last  eft'ort  repuljied.  I  no\v  consigned  the 
command  to  Gen.  Ripley. 

I  saw  and  felt  the  victory  was  poniplete.  The  ex- 
liauslion  of  our  men  was  such  as  made  sonie  refreiihr 
ment  necessary.  They  particularly  required  water,  j; 
I  therefore  ordered  Gen.  Ripley  to  return  to  camp, 


has  been 

(Div'h  left 
r  Captain 
;ers,  and 
I  blaze  uf 
rior  force 
the  right 
is  forcesi, 
rcements, 
,  and  re- 
,  and  the 
iving  the 
5colt  was 
lese ;  ^nd 
,  he  wj^s. 
its  marph 
I  the  ene-t 
f  the  good 
teers  from 
ist  charge 
ispicuoas. 
\ant  lead- 

general- 
nay's  line, 
leu  at  this, 
.  '>,"i.»t 
|d  being  a 
•came  iny 
and  re- 

le  misfor- 
Ipunds;  I 

ion  to  see 

|igned  \h^ 

The  ex- 

refreyhr 

water,  J 

I  to  camp« 


HISTORY  OF  THE   WAS. 


309 


after  bringing  off  the  deiad,  wounded,  and  artillery, 
which  was  effected  in  good  order. 
I  have  th«  honor  to  be,  ^c. 

JACOB  BROWN. 
American  Loss.  -■  -i 

Killed,  171— Wounded,  d7i— Missing,  110.     , . 

BrUish' Loss. 
Killed,  184>-Wounded,  6d9-*Prisoners,  221. 


DiiJiH 


CHAPTER  XII. 


TO  f,  ■ 


Copy  uf  a  Letter  from  tlie  ma^or  oj  Alexandria  ta 
the  mayor  uf  Georgetown. 
Dear  Sir — Enclosed  is  a  copy  of  the  tetms  pro- 
posed to  the  common  council  of  Alexandria,  by  the 
oommanding  officer  of  the  squadron  now  lying  before 
the  town,  to  which  they  were  compelled  to  submit. 
Very  respectfully,  8cc. 

CHARLSS  SIMMS. 
.TERMS  OP  CAPITULATION.     . 
His  Ma;estys  ship  Sea  Horse, 
Of  Atexandrw,  29<A  Aug.  1814. 
Gentlemen— nfn  consequence  of  a  deputation 
I  yesterday  received  from  the  city  of  Alexandria,  re- 
questing favorable  terms  for  the  safety  of  the  city,  the 
undermentioned  are  the  only  conditions  in  my  power 

jtooffer.     .tL:  J,'nv;:i/,   ,'n->(t!.«!..H 

The  town  of  Alexandria,  with  the  exception  of 
[public  works,  shall  not  be  destroyed,  unless  hostilities 
{are  commenced  on  the  part  of  the  Americans,  nor 
shall  the  inhabitants  be  molested  in  any  manner  what- 
ever, or  their  dwelling  houses  entered,  if  the  foUow- 
jing^  articles  are  complied  with  : 

Art.  1.  All  naval  and  ordnance  stores,  public  or 
jprivate,  must  be  immediately  delivered  up. 

2.  Possession  will  be  immediately  taken  of  all  the 
bipping,  and  their  furniture  must  be  sent  on  board 
p)y  the  fwners  without  delay.  .  ,  - 


i  ' 

i 

1 

;l 

p 


Mi 


H  H 


I 


li 


v| 


j'      H 

! 


!!'■ 


U 


i    i 


iiffs 


i  I 


Mi 


!•] 


!     : 


li    >M 


310 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAB* 


8.  The  vessels  that  have  been  sunk  murt  be  deliv- 
ered up  in  the  state  they  were,  on  the  19th  of  August, 
the  day  of  the  squadron  passing  the  Kettle  Bottoms. 

4.  Merchandize  of  every  description  must  be  in- 
stantly delivered  up,  and  to  prevent  any  irregularity, 
that  miffht  be  conoiuiitted  in  its  embarkation,  the  mer- 
chants have  it  at  their  option  to  load  the  vessels  gener- 
ally etnploved  for  that  purpose,  when  they  shall  be 
towed  off  by  us. 

5.  All  merchandize  that  has  been  removed  from 
Alexandria,  since  the  10th  inst.  is  to  be  included  in 
the  above  articles.  .  f  i<. 

6.  Refreshments  of  every  description  to  be  suppli- 
ed the  ships,  and  paid  for  at  the  market  price,  by  bills 
on  the  British  government. 

7.  Officers  will  be  appointed  to  see  that  articles 
Jib,  3,  3k  4  and  5,  are  stricUy  complied  with,  and 
any  deviation  or  non-compliance,  on  the  part  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Alexandria,  wi|l  render  this  treaty  null 
and  void.  ^        ihrtJ^- ^hjI  mf 

.i  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  kc, 

.     ..  JOHN  A.  GORDON, 

Captain  of  H.  M.  ship  Sea  Horse, 
ohif  senior  officer  of  H,  M.  ships  off  Alexandria, 
To  the  common  council  >   o  i— k  a  i€i^i  i,  /^ 

•   of  the  town  of  Alexandria,     .  h.>.'J3^*^i  jt-l 

Gen,  Winder  to  the  Secretary  of  War, 

Baltimore,  August  27,  1814. 

SIR — When  the  enemy  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  j 
the  Potomac,  of  all  the  militia  which  I  had  been  aa- 
Ihonsed  to  assemble  there  were  but  about  1700  in  the 
field,  from  thirteen  to  fourteen  hundk-ed  under  general 
Stansbury  near  this  place,  and  about  260  »t  Bladens- 
burgh,  under  lieutenant  colonel  Kramer. 

After  all  the  force  that  could  be  put  at  my  disposal 
in  that  short  time,  and  making  such  dispositions  as  I 
deemed  best  calculated  to  present  the  most  respectable  j 
force  at  whatever  point  the  enemy  might  strike,  I  wasi 
enabled  by  the  most  active  and  harrassing  movementsl 


igt  be  deliv- 
of  August, 
lie  BoUoms. 
nmst  be  in* 
irregularity, 
on,  the  mer- 
essels  geiier- 
ihey  shall  be 

'moved  from 
e  included  in 

lobe  suppli- 
rice,  by  bills 

I  that  articles 
ed  with,  and 
le  part  of  the 
hii  treaty  null 


iBDON, 

Sea  HorsBt 
^  Alesandria, 

;n  r.^vi '•■.-■  •■ 

'  War, 
it  27,  1814. 
the  mouth  of 
had  been  aa- 
ut  1700  in  the 
under  general 
50  at  Bladens- 
er. 

at  my  disposal 
ispositions  as  I 
lost  respectable 
It  Htrike,  I  was 
ing  movements 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR..    •  Q}! 

of  the  troops  to  interpose  befor  the  enemy  at  Bladens- 
burgh  about  five  thousand  men,  including  three  hun- 
dred and  fifty  regulars  and  commodore  Barney's  com- 
mand. Much  the  largest  portion  of  this  force  arriv- 
ed on  the  ground  when  the  enemy  were  in  sight,  and 
were  disposed  of  to  support  in  the  best  manner  the 
position  which  Gen.  Stansbury  had  taken.  They 
bad  barely  reached  the  ground  before  the  action  com- 
menced, which  was  about  1  o'clock  P.  M.  of  thie 
24th  inst.  and  continued  about  an  hour. 

The  artillery  from  Baltimore  supported  by  major 
Pinkney's  rifle  battalion,  and  apart  of  captain  Dough- 
tey's  from  the  navy  yard,  were  in  advance  to  com- 
mand the  pass  of  the  bridge  at  Bladensburgb,  and 
played  upon  the  enemy,  as  I  have  since  learned,  with 
very  destructive  effect.  But  the  rifle  troops  were  ob- 
liged after  some  time  to  retire  and  of  course  artillery. 
Superior  numbers  however  rushed  upon  them  and 
made  their  retreat  necessary,  not  however  without 
great  loss  on  the  part  of  the  enemy. 

The  right  and  centre  of  Stansbury 's  brigfade  con- 
sisting of  lieutenant  colou'^l  Ragan's  and  Shuler's 
regiments,  generally  gave  way  very  soon  afterwards, 
with  the  exception  of  about  forty  rallied  by  colonel 
Ragan,  aCter  having  lost  his  horse,  and  the  whole  or 
a  part  of  captain  Shower's  company,  both  of  whom 
general  Stansbury  represents  to  have  made,  even 
thus  deserted,  a  gallant  stand. 

The  reserve  under  brigadier  general  Smith  of  the 
distiict  cf  Columbia,  with  the  militia  of  the  city  and 
Georgetown,  with  the  regulars  and  some  detachments 
of  Maryland  militia,  flanked  on  their  right  by  com- 
modore Barney  and  his  brave  fellows,  and  lieutenant 
colonel  Beal,  still  were  on  the  right  on  the  hill,  and 
maintained  the  contest  for  some  time  with  great 
effect. 

It  is  not  with  me  to  report  the  conduct  of  commo- 
dore Barney  and  his  command,  nor  can  I  speak  from 
observation,  being  too  remote,  but  the  concurrent 
testimony  of  all   who  did  observe  them,  does  Uiem 


il: 


I      ! 

i 


i 


'•    I 


' 

<•: 

1. 

.',  M 

,|;     , 

1  1 

■V:    ; 

' 

i  ! 

r 

i 

r  , 

■'         ! 

I 

■    i 

1 

1 

i! 


I 


I   , 


'<  i\  i 


'i 


SIS 


HISTORY  OP  THB  WAR. 


the  hifii^hent  justice  for  their  brave  resistance  and  the 
destructive  effect  they  produced  on  the  enemy. 

From  the  best  intelligence,  there  remains  but  little 
doubt  that  the  enemy  lost  at  leasl  four  hundred  killed 
and  wounded,  and  of  these  a  very  unusual  portion 
killed. 

Our  loss  cannot,  I  think,  be  estimated  at  more  than 
from  thirty  to  forty  killed,  and  fifty  to  sixty  wounded. 

They  took  altogether  about  one  hundred  and  tweiu 
ty  priNoners. 

I  am  with  very  CTeal  respect,  sir,  your  obedient 
•ervant.  WM.  H.  WINDER. 

Briff.  Gen.  lOth  military  district. 

Com.  Barney  to  the  /Secretary  cfthe  Naijy. 
Farm,  at  Elk  ridge,  Aug.  20, 1814. 
-  rErCracf.]  SIR — ^This  is  the  first  moment  I  have 
had  it  in  my  power  to  make  a  report  of  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  forces  under  my  command  since  I  had  the 
honor  of  seeing  yon  on  Tuesday,  the  23d  inst.  at  the 
camp  at  the  *  Old  Fields.'  On  the  afternoon  of  that 
day  we  were  informed  that  the  enemy  was  advancing 
upon  us.  Our  army  was  put  into  order  of  battle  and 
our  positions  taken ;  my  forces  were  on  the  rights 
flanked  by  the  two  baltalliors  of  the  86th  and  dStb 
regiments.  A  little  before  sunset  Gen.  Windercame 
to  me  -  and  recommended  that  the  heavy  artillery 
should  be  withrawn,  with  the  exce|'tion  of  one  twelve 
pounder  to  cover  the  retreat  We  touk  up  the  line  of 
march,  and  in  the  night  entered  Washington  by  the 
Eastern  Branch  bridge.  The  Gen.  requested  me  to 
take  command  and  place  my  artillery  to  defend  tho 
passage  of  the  bridge  on  the  Eastern  Branch,  as  the 
enemy  was  approaching  the  city  in  that  direction. 
I  immediately  put  my  guns  in  position,  leaving  the 
marines  and  the  rest  of  my  men  at  the  barracks,  to 
wait  further  orders.  I  was  in  this  situation  when  1 
had  the  honor  to  meet  you  with  the  President  nnd 
heads  of  Departments,  when  it  was  detert^^ined  I 
should  draw  off  my  guns  and  m«n,  and  proceed  tO' 


ItlS'TOIlV  0»  THfi  WAH. 


3ia 


ice  and  the 
emy. 

ins  but  little 
(idred  killed 
sual  portion 

at  more  than 
ty  wounded, 
id  and  tweni 

ur  obedient 
INDER. 
iary  district. 

.  29, 1814. 
nient  I  have 
the  proceed- 
nce  1  had  the 
d  inst.  at  the 
moon  of  that 
at)  advancing 
of  battle  and 
on  the  right) 
;6tb  and  dSth 
[Windercame 
>avy  artillery 
[of  one  twelve 
up  the  line  of 
iMgton  by  U«: 
UcHted  me  to 
|to  defend  the 
Iranch,  as  the 
rhat  direction. 
,  leaving  the 
barracks,  to 
atidn  when  1 
'resident  nnd 
deter  srined  I 
id  proco*«d  lo' 


Mrardb  Bladensburg,  which  was  immediately  put  into 
execution.  On  our  way  I  was  informed  the  enemy 
was  within  a  mile  of  Bladensburg ;  we  hurried  on^ 
Ihouffh  the  day  was  very  hot^  and  my  men  much 
crippled  from  the  severe  marches  we  had  experienced 
the  preceding  days.  I  preceded  the  men,  and  when 
I  arrived  at  the  line  which  separates  the  District  from 
Maryland,  the  battle  began.  I  sent  an  officer  back 
to  hasten  on  my  men— ^they  came  up  in  a  trot.  We 
took  our  position  on  the  rising  ground,  put  the  pieces* 
in  battery,  posted  the  marines  under  Capt.  Miller, 
and  flotilla  men,  who  were  to  act  as  infantry  under  their 
own  officers,  on  my  right,  to  support  the  pieces,  and 
waited  the  approach  of  tha  enemy.  During  this  pe- 
riod the  engagement  continued — the  enemy  advance 
ing,  diud  our  army  retreating  before  them-^apparently 
in  much  disorder.  At  length  the  «nemy  made  bis 
appearance  on  the  main  road  in  force  and  in  front  of 
iny  battery,  and  on  seeing  us  made  a  halt ;  I  reserved 
our  fire;  in  a  few  minutes  the  enemy  again  advanced^ 
when  I  ordered  an  1 8  pounder  to  be  fir'Pd,  which 
completely  cleared  the  road ;  shortly  after,  a  second 
and  third  attempt  was  made  by  the  enemy  to  come 
forward,  but  all  who  made  the  attempt  weie  destroy-* 
ed.  The  enemy  then  crossed  over  into  an  open  field 
and  attempted  to  flank  our  right.  He  was  there  met 
by  three  12  pounders,  the  marines  under  captam  Mil" 
ler,  and  my  men  acting  as  infantry,  and  again  was  to-, 
tally  cut  up.  By  this  time  not  a  vestige  of  the  Ame- 
rican army  remained,  except  a  body  of  five  or  six 
hundred  poste<l  on  a  height  on  my  right,  from  whom 
I  expected  much  support  from  their  fine  situation. — 
The  enemy  from  this  period  never  appeared  in  front 
of  us.  He  however  pushed  forward  his  sharp  shoot- 
ers, one  of  whom  shot  my  horse  from  under  me, 
which  fell  dead  between  two  of  my  guns.  The  ene- 
my, who  had  been  kept  in  check  by  our  fire  nearly 
half  an  hour,  now  began  to  out  flank  us  on  the  right.' 
Our  guns  were  turned  that  way — he  pushed  up  the 
hill  ai>out  two  or  three  hundred  men  towards  the  corns 
4Q 


' '  ] 


m 


'  ••!!! 


1 

!r 

1 

i  j 

4 1*1) 

Vll' 

314 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


of  Americans  stationed  as  above  describeil,  \vbo  to 
my  great  morliBcation  nii\de  no  resistance,  giving  a 
fire  or  two  and  retiring, 'l,i;;«.i    .»  -^v^ 

In  this  situation  we  had  the  whole  army  of  (he  en- 
emy to  conlerj  with  ;  our  ammunition  was  expended, 
and  unfortu'..ate1y  tlie  drivers  of  my  ammunition 
waggons  had  gone  oft'  in  the  general  panic.  At  this 
time  I  received  a  severe  wound  in  my  tnigh*  Finding 
the.  enemy  now  completely  in  our  rear  and  no  means 
of  defence,  1  gave  orders  to  my  officers  and  men  to 
retire.  The  great  loss  of  blood  occasioned  such  a 
Weakness  that  I  was  compeiied  to  lie  down.  I  re- 
quested my  ofticers  to  leave  me,  which  they  obstinate- 
ly refused,  but  upon  being  ordered,  they  obeyed  : 
one  only  remained.  In  a  short  time  1  observed  a 
British  soldier  and  had  him  called,  and  directed  him 
to  seek  an  officer ;  in  a  few  minutes  an  officer  came, 
who,  on  learning  who  I  was,  brought  Gen.  Boss  and 
admiral  Cockburn  to  me.  These  officers  behaved  to 
me  with  the  most  marked  attention,  respect  and  po- 
liteness; had  a  surgeon  brought,  and  my  woutid  dres- 
sed immediately.  After  a  few  minutes  conversation, 
the  general  informed  (after  paying  me  a  handsome 
compliment)  that  I  was /^arofecf,  and  at  liberty  to 
proceed  to  Washington  or  Bladensburg,  offering  mc 
every  assistance  in  his  power,  giving  orders  for  a  lit- 
ter to  be  brought)  in  which  I  ^as  carried  to  Bladens- 
My M'ou.*)'^  is  deep,  but  I  flatter  myself  not  dange- 
rous \  the  l/dU  is  not  yet  extracted. 

"JOSHUA  BABNEY. 

Com.  Macdonouyh  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 
U.  S  ship  Saratoga,  off  Platlsburg,  Sept.  11,  ISM 
SIB — ^I'lie  Almighty   has  been  pleased  to   grant  I 
us  a  signal  victory  on  Lake  Champlain,  in  the  cap- 
ture of  one  frigate,  one  brig,  and  two  sloops  of  war  | 
of  the  enemy. 
...    t. ;  I  bave  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

'  ^  T.  MACDONOUGH. 


>^1''0!J 


(|:i 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


31/> 


Com.  Macdonumgh  to  the  ISecretarjf  of  the  Aaiv/r. 

.  ■    U.  S.  ship  Har&tosra,  at  iuichoi*  oA')       ,„ 

Plallsburg,  .Se|>l.  V\,  1814.      > 

SIR — By  lieutenant  coiiimanilant  Cassin  I  have 

the  honor  to  convey  to  you  the  flags  of  hi»  Britannic 

Majestv^s  late  squadron,  captured  on  the  11th  inst. 

by  the  Vnit^^l  States'  squadron  under  my  command. 

T.  MACDONOUGH. 


t!?1|     »  M 


fM  f^vf^na  J)»|t» 


Com.  ^ucdonough  to  the  Secrelari/  of  the  Navy. 
if.  S.  ship  Saratoga,  Piuttshurg  bay, ) 
September  13,  1814.  j 

SIR—I  have  the  honor  to  give  yju  the  parlicularN 
of  the  action'  which  took  place  on  the  1  Uh  inst.  on 
this  Lake. 

At  8  A.  M.  the  look-out  boat  announced  the  ap- 
proach of  the  enemy.  AtO,  he  anchored  in  aline 
ahead,  at  about  three  hundred  yards  distance  from 
my  line;  his  ship  opposed  to  the  Saratoga,  his  brig 
to  the  Eagle,  his  gallies,  thirteen  in  number,  to  the 
schooner,  slooh,  and  a  division  of  onr  gallies  ;  one 
of  his  sloops  assisting  their  ship  and  brig,  the  other 
assisting  their  gallies.  Our  remaining  gallics  with 
the  Saratoga  and  Eagle. 

In  this  situation  the  whole  force  on  both  sides  be- 
came engaged,  the  Saratoga  suffering  much  from  the 
heavy  fire  of  the  Gohtiance.  I  could  perceive  at  the 
same  time,  howeVer,  that  our  tire  was  very  destruc- 
tive to  her.  The  Ticonderoga  gallantly  sustained  her 
full  share  of  the  action.  At  half  pa^t  10  o'clock  the 
Eagle,  not  being  able  to  bring  her  gtms  to  bear,  cut 
her  cable  and  anchored  in  a  more  eligible  position, 
between  my  ship  a+id  the  Ticonderoga,  where  she 
very  much  annoyed  the  enemy.  Our  guns  on  the 
starboard  side  being  nearly  all  dismounted,  or  not 
manageable,  a  stern  anchor  was  'et  go,  the  bower 
Cable  cut,  and  the  ship  winded  with  afresh  broadside 
on  the  enemy's  ship,  which  soon  after  surrendered. 
Our  broadside  was  then  sprung  to  bear  on  the  brig, 
fvhich  surrendered  in  about  Id  minutes  after,  h^/c  u> 


!-• 

'  n 

*  l\ 


I 


tf'f    : 


j.f" 


!):^ 


\:  I 


!:<?■;, 


1  I 


11'  ;!  '; 


III 


li 

1 

1  i,  ■ 

i^ 

iii 

m 

!  ■ 

316 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR.' 


The  sloop  that  wns  oppo.sed  to  the  Eagle,  had 
struck  some  time  before  und  drifled  down  the  line; 
the  sloop  which  was  with  their  gallies  linving  struck 
also.  Three  of  their  gallies  are  said  to  he  sunk,  the 
others  pulled  off.  Our  gallies  were  about  obeying- 
-with  alacrity  the  signal  to  follow  them,  when  all  the 
vessels  were  reported  to  me  to  be  in  a  sinking  state  : 
it  then  became  necessary  to  annul  the  signal  to  the 
gallies,  and  order  their  men  to  the  pumps. 

1  could  only  look  at  ^he  enemy  s  gallies  going  off 
in  a  shattered  cotiditioit,  for  there  was  not  a  mast 
in  either  squadron  that  could  stand  to  make  sail  on. 
'  The  Saratoga  had  fttty-five  round  shot  in  her  hull ; 
the  Gonfiance  one  hundred  and  live.  The  enemy's 
shut  passed  principally  just  over  our  heads,  as  there 
were  not  20  whole  hammocks  in  the  nettings  at  the 
close  of  the  action,  which  lasted  without  intermis« 
sion  two  h'^Mrs  and  twenty  minutes. 

The  Saratoga  was  tWice  set  on  fire  with  hot  shot 
from  the  enemy's  ship.     I  have  the  honor  tp  be,  &c. 

T.  MACDONOUGH. 

p.  S.—- Accompanying  this  is  a  list  of  kdled  and 
-wounded,  a  list  of  prisoners — and  a  precise  state- 
ment of   both  forces  engaged, 


^•ii<*  <%< 


AMERICAN  FORCE  AND  IX)SB. 


Ships.         guns. 

mtn. 

killed. 

wounded. 

Saratoga,        26 

210 

28 

29 

Eagle,            20 

120 

13 

20 

Ticoiideroga,  17 

110 

6 

6 

Preble,              7 

30 

2 

lOGun  Boats,  16 

350 

3 

3 

86 


820 


62 


58 


BRITISH  FORCE  AND  LOSS. 


•    Ships. 

guns. 

men. 

killed. 

wounded. 

Goniiance, 

39 

300 

50 

60 

I^iniiet, 

16 

120 

20 

80 

Growler, 

11 

40 

....e  •... 

■^^■^m-- 

HISTORY  OF  THA  WAR. 


317 


£a^1e,  11  40 

laGutiBontMS         550 


8 


10 


Hi 


95        1060  84  110 

Several  of  the  gun  boats  struck ;  but  the  sinking 
state  of  the  large  vessels  required  the  assistance  of 
the  roeri  in  our  gallies,  which  enabled  thetn  to  escape, 
excepting  three,  which  sunk  with  all  on  board,  which 
makes  their  loss  174  killed,  110  wounded,  and  416 
prisoners. 

Note. — The/oltawinff  valuable  property  was  taken 
<m  board  iheJleet,4o  wit : — 1 1,800  lbs.  oj  powder  ex- 
clusive of  fixed  ammuiDiion— 85,000 /o«.  of  cannon 
ball — 6000  muskets — 6U0  suits  of  sailors'  clothing, 
and  all  the  winter  clothing  of  the  whole  of  their  land 
army.  *, 

Burning  of  Petipauge. — Between  10  and  1 1  o'clock, 
P.  M.  of  April  7tb,  1814,  six  British  boats  were  dis- 
covered coining  into  Connecticut  river ;  by  12,  a 
large  force  of  the  enemy  had  taken  possession  of  an 
old  fort  at  Saybrook  Point,  where  finding  nothing, 
the  fort  having  been  decayed  for  severarvears,  re- 
entered their  boats,  and  proceeded  for  Petipauge 
Point,  about  6  miles  higher  up  the  river,  where  they 
arrived  about  4  o'clock.  The  vessels  in  harbor  being 
on  fire,  first  gave  notice  that  the  enemy  was  near. 
There  was  not  time  after  the  alarm,  to  get  the  wo- 
men and  children  off  from  the  Point,  l>et'ore  the  ene- 
my had  landed,  and  began  burning  the  vessels  on  the 
stocks;  they  immediately  commenced  searching  the 
houses  and  stores,  for  arms  and  ammunition,  taking 
all  they  could  find,  and  destroying  furniture  to  a  con- 
siderable amount ;  liquors  of  all  kinds,  when  found, 
after  satisfying  themselves,  were  destroyed  by  staving 
the  casks.  Tnere  was  no  opposition  to  their  plunder, 
although  they  remained  on  shore  till  10  o'clock,  when 
they  called  in  their  men,  and  proceeded  down  tlie 
river  about  a  mile,  with  a  brig,  a  schooner,  and  2 


t.  I 


■'  -iv^iivfr 


-i-t  mnm 


;'H'   fi    '5t:" 


r 


I 

)• 


di8 


HISTORY  OF  THB  WAIl. 


i;li 


sloops,  where  they  anchored  and  lay  till  dark,  when 
they  set  tire  to  their  prizes,  and  proceeded  down  to 
their  vessels. 

Attach  on  Sioninffton. — ^The  British  fleet  off*  New- 
London  having  been  reinforceii  on  the  0th  August, 
1814,  a  part  of  it,  to  wit,  one  74,  two  frigates,  a  sloop 
M  war,  and  a  brig,  appeared  off  Stoiiington,  when 
^ir  Thomas  Hardy  sent  a  flag  on  shore  for  the  in- 
formation  of  the  women  and  children,  that  if  the  town 
was  not  surrendered  in  one  hour,  the  whole  should  be 
laid  in  ashes.  The  inhabitants  informed  Sir  Thomas, 
that  Stoninaton  \  us  not  Petipautfe,  and  prejpared'their 
cannon,  2  long  18's,  and  ono  6  pounder,  tor  defend- 
ing themselves.  The  attack  began  at  9,  at  night,  and 
contmued  till  1  in  the  morning,  with  round  shot, 
bombs,  and  rockets.  The  militia,  30  in  number,  re- 
turned the  fire  with  great  vigor  and  eflect.  The  at- 
tack was  renewed  next  morning,  and  as  warmly  re- 
sented— th^ir  brig,  which  lay  nearest  shors,  was  al- 
most cut  to  pieces,  and  one  barge,  full  of  men,  was 
sunk,  when  the  enemy  withdrew.  Our  loss  was  4 
Wounded,  2  houses  fired,  and  2  horses  killed.  On 
the  1 1th  tliey  again  attacked  the  place,  before  which 
the  humane  Sir  Thomas  sent  in  another  demand  for 
its  surkrender,  accompanied  with  a  threat,  that  if  it 
was  not  complied  with,  he  would  Ifty  the  whole  town 
in  ashes,  or  sacrHice  his  whole  ford,  consisting  of'  \^ 
shij^  of  t.jr.  Our  little  band  of  Heroes  paid  little 
attention  io  his  threat,  but  went  steadily  to  work  at 
their  cannon,  and  mauled  the  enemy  so,  that  he  was 
obliged  to  abtodon  the  expedition. 

'""'*>    Gen.  Gains  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Fort  Erie,  Aug.  23,  1814. 
[Extract.y-^SIR — I  have  the  honor  to  communi- 
cate the  particulars  of  the  battle  fought  at  this  place, 
on  the  15th  inst.  I  have  heretofore  omitted  stating  to 
you,  that  during  the  ISlh  and  14th,  the  enemy  had 
kept  up  a  brisk  cannonade  upon  this  fort,  which  was 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


319 


briskly  retnrnod  from  our  bntt^rieti,  without  liny  con- 
siilerublti  loss  on  our  part.  At  tl,  A.  M.  of  the  I6ih, 
one  of  their  shells  lodged  in  n  Nmall  magazine,  in 
Fort  Erie,  which  was  fortunately  almost  empty.  It 
blew  up  with  an  explosion  more  awful  in  its  appear- 
ance, than  injurious  in  its  eflects,  as  it  did  not  dittable 
a  man,  or  derange  a  gun.  It  occusioned  but  a  mo- 
mentary cessation  of  the  thunders  ot  the  artillery  ou 
both  sides ;  it  was  followed  by  a  loud  and  joyooA 
shout  by  the  British  armv,  which  was  immediately 
returned  on  our  part,  and  Capt.  Williams,  amidst  the 
smoke  of  the  explosion,  renewed  tlie  contest,  by  aa 
animated  roar  of  his  heavy  cannon. 

The  night  was  dark  and  rainy,  but  the  faithful  cen- 
tinel  slept  not.  At  half  past  2  o'chick,  the  right  col- 
umn of  the  enemy  approached,  and  though  enveloped 
in  darkness,^  black  as  his  designs  and  principles, 
was  distinctly  heard  on  our  left,  and  promptly  mark- 
ed by  our  musq-tetry  and  cannon.  Being  mounted  al 
the  moment,  I  repaired  to  the  point  of  altuckt  wh^re 
the  sheet  of  fire  enabled  me  to  see  the  enemy's  column, 
about  1  '00  men,  approaching  on  that  point ;  his  ad- 
vance nas  not  checked  until  it  hud  approached  within 
tea  feet  of  our  infantry.  A  line  of  loose  brush  rep- 
i-eseiiting  an  abetiis  only  intervened;  a  column  of  the 
enemy  attempted  to  pass  round  the  abeUis  through  the 
water,  where  it  was  nearly  breast  deep.  At  this  mo- 
ment the  enemy  were  repulsed,  but  instantly  renewed 
the  charge,  and  were  agai^  repulsed.  My  attention 
was  now  called  to  the  right,  where  our  batteries  and 
lines  were  lighted  by  a  most  brilliant  tire  of  cannon 
and  musquetry ;  it  announced  the  approach  ^^'  tlie 
centre  and  left  columns  of  the  enemy,  under  Culs. 
Drummond  and  Scott;  they  were  soon  repulsed. 
That  of  the  centre,  led  by  Col.  Drummond  was  not 
loii^  kept  in  check ;  it  approached  at  once  every  as- 
sailable point  of  the  fort,  and  with  scaling  ladders* 


>{;*i-ii-i 


*  I,  with  several  of  my  officers,  several  ltnie»,  heard  orders  giv- 
en, '  (a  give  Ihe  damned  Yankee  rascnfa  no  quarttrs .' 


iti 


/'  •'^1 


> 


.  I; 


i 
I 


i ;! ' 


320 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


ascended  the  parapet,  but  was  repulsed  with  dreadful 
carnage.  The  assault  was  twice  repeated,  and  as 
often  checked  ;  but  the  enemy  having  moved  round 
the  ditch,  covered  with  darkness,  and  the  heavy  cloud 
of  smoke  which  rolled  from  our  cannon  and  mus- 
quetry,  repeated  the  charge,  and  re-ascended  the  lad- 
ders, when  their  pikes,  bayonets,  and  spears,  fell  upon 
our  gallant  artillerists.  Our  bastion  was  lost ;  Lieut. 
M'Oonough,  being  severely  wounded,  demanded 
quarter, — it  was  refused  by  Col.  Drummond.  M'Do- 
nongh  then  seized  a  handspike,  and  nobly  dfl'ended 
himself:  until  he  was  shot  down  with  a  pistol  by  the 
monster  who  had  refused  him  quarter,  who  often  re- 
iterated the  order — -rjive  tite  damned  Yankee  rascak  no 
quarter.  >  This  hardened  murderer  soon  met  his  fate ; 
he  was  shot  through  the  breast  while  repeating  the 
order  to  give  no  quarter. 

The  battle  now  raged  with  increased  fury  on  the 
right,  but  on  the  left  the  enemy  was  repulsed  and  put 
to  flight.  Thence  and  from  the  centre  I  ordered  rein- 
forcements. They  were  promptly  sent  by  Brig.  Gen. 
Ripley  and  Brig.  Gen.  Porter.  Capl.  Fanning,  of 
the  corps  of  artillery,  kept  up  a  spirited  and  destruc- 
tive fire  with  his  field  pieces  on  the  enemy  attempting 
to  approach  the  tort.  Major  Hindman^s  gallant  ef- 
forts, aided  by  Maj.  Trimble,  having  failed  to  drive 
the  enemy  from  the  bastion  with  the  remaining  artil- 
lerists and  infantry  in  the  fort,  Capt.  Btrdsall  of  the 
4lh  rifle  regmient,  with  a  detachment  of  riflemen, 
giillantly  rushed  m  through  the  gateway  to  their  as- 
sistance, and  with  some  infantry  charged  the  enemy  ', 
but  was  repulsed,  and  the  captain  severely  wounded. 
A  detachment  from  the  11th,  I9th,  and  2i2d,  infantry, 
under  Capt.  Foster  of  the  llth,  were  introduced  over 
the  interior  bastion,  for  the  purpose  of  charging  the 
enemy.  Major  Hall,  Assist.  In.  Gen.  very  hand- 
somely tendered  his  services  to  lead  the  charge.  The 
charge  was  gallantly  made  by  Capt.  Foster  and  Miij. 
Hall,  but  owing  to  the  narrowness  of  the  passage  \\\i 
to  the  l>-<i»>tiuii  admitting  only  2  or  8  meu  abreast,  it 


HtSrORY  OF  THG  WAR. 


321 


feiiled.  tt  was  often  repeated,  and  ns  often  checked. 
The  enemy^s  force  in  the  bastion  was,  however,  much 
cut  to  pieces  and  diminished  by  our  artillery  and 
small  arms.  At  this  moment  every  operation  was 
atrested  by  the  explosion  of  some  cartridges  deposits- 
ed  in  the  end  of  the  stone  building  adjoining  the  con- 
tested bastion.  The  explosion  was  treniendous-^—it 
was  decisive :  the  bastion  was  restored.  At  this  mo- 
ment Capt.  Biddle  was  ordered  to  cause  a  field  pie<-6 
to  be  posted  so  as  to  enfilade  the  exterior  plain  and 
salient  glacis.  Capt.  Fanning's  battery  likewise  play- 
ed upon  them  at  this  time  with  great  effect.  Th^ 
enemy  were  in  a  few  moments  entirely  defeated,  ta- 
ken, or  put  to  flight.  1  have  the  honor,  &c.       ''■ 

E.  P.  GAINS. 

AMERICAN  LOSS< 

Killed,  17— Wounded,  d(i-^Mis8iiig,  ll—total,  84. 

BHITISH  LOSS. 

Killed,  422>-Wounded,  354— Prisoners,  186—863. 


^K^' 


Gen,  Smith  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  ;  : 

Baltimore,  September  19,  1816. 
lExlract.'\  SIR — I  have  the  hcmor  of  statiug  that  th6 
tnemy  landed  between  7  and  8000  men  on  the  12th 
inst.  at  North  Point,  14  miles  distant  from  this  city. 
Anticipating  this  debarkation.  Gen.  Striker  had  been 
detached  on  Sunday  evening  with  a  portion  of  his 
brigade,  to  check  any  attempt  the  enemy  might  make 
in  that  quarter  to  land  ;  the  General  took  a  position 
on  Monday,  at  the  junction  of  the  two  roads  leading 
from  this  place  to  the  Point,  having  his  right  flanked 
6n  Bear  Greek,  and  his  left  by  a  marsh.  Here  he 
waited  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  after  having  sent 
on  an  advance  corps.  Between  two  and  threti 
o'clock  the  enemy's  whole  force  came  up,  and  com- 
menced the  battle  by  some  discharges  of  rockets, 
which  were  succeeded  by  the  cannon  from  both  sides, 
when  the  action  became  general.  Gen.  Strieker  gal- 
lantly maintained  his  ground  against  this  great  supe- 
riority of  numbtrti,  one  hour  and  20  minutes,  when 
41 


M 


J 


<i:! 


i      i\ 


■   1 


.^!  i  \  \  ' 


'    5   ! 


V,  i 


II     !. 


:ii! 


t  !;•  !?■ 


I   :i ' 


It; 


ili 


323 


HISTORY  OF  THE  W^R. 


his  left  gave  way  and  he  was  obliged  to  retire  to  the 
ground  in  his  rear.  He  here  formed  his  brigade^ 
but  the  enemy  not  thinking  it  adviseable  to  pursue,  he 
fell  back,  according  to  previous  arrangements,  and 
formed  on  the  left  of  my  entrenchments.  I  feel  a 
pride  in  the  belief,  that  the  stand  made  on  Monday, 
in  no  small  degree,  tended  to  check  the  temerity  of 
a  foe,  daring  to  invade  a  country  like  ourN.  Major 
General  Ross  the  commander  in  chief  of  the  British 
forces,  was  killed  in  this  action.  About  the  time 
Gen.  Strieker  joined  my  leit,  he  was  joined  by  Gen. 
Winder,  (who  had  been  stationed  on  the  west  side  of 
the  city,)  with  gen.  Douglass'  brigade  of  Virginia 
militia,  and  the  U.  S.  Dragoons,  who  took  post  on 
the,  left  of  gen.  Strieker.  Meanwhile,  gens.  Stans- 
bury  and  Forman,  the  seamen  and  marines  under 
com.  Rodgers,  the  Pennsylvania  volunteers  under 
cols.  Cobean  and  Findley,  the  Baltimore  artillery 
under  col.  Harris,  and  the  marine  artillery  under 
capt.  Stiles,  manned  the  trenches  and  batteries — all 
prepared  to  meet  the  enemy. 

On  Tuesday  the  enemy  appeared  in  front  of  my 
entrenchments,  at  the  distance  of  two  miles,  on  the 
Philadelphia  road,  and  attempted  by  a  circuitous 
route,  to  march  against  our  left,  and  enter  the  city  ; 
gens.  Winder  and  Strieker  were  ordered  to  adapt 
their  movementsso  as  to  defeat  their  intentions,  which 
completely  succeeded.  This  movement  induced  the 
enemy  to  concentrate  his  forces  by  one  or  two  o'clock, 
in  my  front,  pushing  his  advance  to  within  a  mile  of 
our  videttes,  and  shewing  an  intention  of  attacking 
us  that  evening.  1  drew  gens.  Winder  and  Strieker 
nearer  to  the  left  of  my  entrenchments,  and  to  the 
right  of  the  enemy,  with  the  intention  of  falling  on 
his  rear,  should  he  attack  me  ;  or,  if  he  declined  it, 
of  attacking  him  in  the  morning.  To  this  movement, 
and  my  defences,  which  the  enemy  had  the  fairest 
opportunity  of  observing,  I  attribute  his  retreat, 
which  was  commenced  at  one  o'clock,  the  next  morn- 
ing, in  which  he  was  so  favored,  by  the  extreme 
darkness,  and  continued  rain,  that  we  did  not  discov* 


HTSTORY  OP  THE   WAR. 


323 


er  it  until  day  light.  A  considerable  detachment  was 
sent  in  pnrsuit,  but  the  troops  being  so  worn  <<own  by 
fatigue,  that  they  could  do  nothing  more  than  pick 
up  a  few  straglers  ;  they  completed  their  embarka* 
tion  the  next  day  at  I  o'clock. 

I  have  now  the  pleasure  of  calling  your  attention  to 
the  brave  commander  of  fort  McHenry,  M aj.  Ar- 
mistead,  and  to  the  operations  in  that  quarter. 

Maj.  Armstetid  had  under  his  command  one  com- 
pany of  U.  S.  artillery,  two  do.  sea  fencibles ;  three 
do.  of  Biiltimore  artillery,  a  detachment  from  Com. 
Biirney's  flotilla,  and  about  600  militia,  in  all  about 
1000  men. 

Qn  the  12th,  16  ships,  including  5  bomb  ships* 
anchored  about  two  miles  from  the  fort.  The  next 
morning,  at  sunrise,  the  enemy  commenced  the  at- 
tack from  his  bomb  vessels,  at  the  distance  of  two 
miles,  which  was  out  of  our  reach.  At  2  o'clock 
one  of  our  guns  was  dismounted  which  occasioned 
considerable  bustle  in  the  fort,  killing  one  and  wound- 
ing several,  which  induced  the  enemy  to  draw  his 
ships  within  a  good  striking  distance,  when  the  Maj. 
opened  a  well  directed  fire  upon  them  for  half  an 
hour,  which  caused  them  to  haul  off  to  their  old  posi- 
tion, when  our  brave  little  band  gave  three  cheers, 
and  again  ceased  firing.  Availing  themselves  of  the 
darkness  of  the  night,  they  had  pushed  a  cousiderable 
force  above  the  fort,  and  formed  in  a  half  circle, 
when  they  commenced  firing  again  which  was  return- 
ed with  spirit,  tor  more  than  two  hours,  when  the 
enemy  were  again  obliged  to  haul  off. 

During  the  bombardment,  which  lasted  25  hour', 
on  the  pirt  of  the  enemy,  from  15  to  1800  shells  were 
thrown  by  the  enemy  ;  400  of  which  fell  in  the  fort, 
threatening  destruction  to  all  within,  but  wonderful 
as  it  may  appear  only  4  of  our  men  were  kdled,  and 
24  wounded.  I  have  the  honor  8cc.  S.  SMITH. 
American  Loss. 
Killed,  24— Wounded,  90— Missing,  47. 

British  Loss. 
Killed,  97  Wounded,  165  Prisoners,  136 


Hi, 


.1  ; 


*  ■  •■ti 


ill 


m.  \ 


it 


^24 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


Hi 


iM  1-!' 


;- ! 


Gen,  Jackson  to  the  JSecretai-y  of  fVan   t  ?  •• . 
Mobile,  Septemi»er  17,  1814. 

[Extract.']  SIR — With  lively  emotions  of  satis- 
faction, I  conmiuiiicate  that  sutcess  has  crowned  tho 
gallant  eftbrts  ci'  our  brave,  soldiers,  in  resisting  aud 
repulsing  a  combined  British  naval  and  land  lorce, 
which  on  the  15th  inst.  attacked  Fort  Bowyer,  on  the 
point  of  Mobile 

The  ship  which  was  destroyed,  was  the  Hermes, 
of  from  24  to  28  guis,  Ca|tuin  the  Itun. W m.  H. 
Percy,  senior  officer  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  ;  and  the 
brig  so  considerably  damaued  is  the  Soihie,  18  guns. 
The  other  ship  was  the  Carron,  of  from  24  to  23 
guns ;  the  other  brig*s  name  unknown. 

On  board  the  Carron,  fd  meii  were  killed  and 
wounded  ;  among  whom  was  Col.  Nicoll,  of  the 
Royal  Marines,  who  lost  an  eye  by  a  splinter.  The 
land  force  consisted  of  110  marines,  and  200  Creek 
Indians,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Woodbine,  of 
the  marines,  and  about  ^0  artillerists,  with  one  four 
and  an  half  inch  howitzer,  from' winch  tliey  discharge 
ed  shells  and  nine  pound  shot.  They  re-embarked 
the  piece,  and  retreated  by  land  towards  J*ensacola, 
whence  they  came. 

By  the  morning  report  of  the  16thy  there  were 
present  in  the  fort,    !"  for  duty,  officers  and  nieu«  168. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  jiic. 

zVNDREW  JACKSON. 

Gen,  Bronm  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  m  > 

Fort  £rie,  Sept.  29th,  1814. 

[Extract,]  SlR-^In  my  letter  of  the  18th  inst.  1 
brieflv  informed  you  of  the  fortunate  issue  ot  the  sor-r 
tie  which  took  place  the  day  preceding. 

The  enemy's  camp  1  had  ascertained  to  be  situated 
in  a  field  surrou&ided  by  woods  nearly  two  miles  dis* 
tant  from  their  batteries  and  entienchuients.  the  ob* 
ject  of  wh'ch  was  to  keep  the  parts  of  the  force  which 
'Was  not  upon  duly,  out  of  the  range  of  our  fire  from 
Fort  Erie  and  Black-Rock.    Tlieir  infantry  wa« 


h  1814. 
)  of  satis- 
owned  ibo 
sisting  aud 
and  force. 
yet,  on  the 

le  Hermes, 
n.  W  n».  H. 

o ;  and  the 
le,  18  guns. 
A  24  to  23 

killed  and 
:oll,  of  the 
inter.    The 

200  Creek 
oodbuie,  of 
th  one  four 
E>y  discharg* 
e-embarked 

Pensacula, 

there  were 
d  nieuf  158« 

CKSON. 

Hb,  1814. 
18th  utst.  I 
lie  ot  the  Hor-r 

be  situated 
luilea  dis*- 
Ints,  the  ob* 
1  force  which 
Lr  lire  from 
Wntr^  was 


HISTORY  OF  TnV  WAK. 


826 


formed  into  three  brigades,  estimated  at  12  or  X&  bun- 
dred  men  each.  One  of  theHe  brigades,  with  a  de* 
taUfrom  their  artillery,  was  stationed  at  their  works, 
(these  being  about  500  yards  distant  from  old  Fort 
Erie,  and  the  right  of  our  line.)  We  had  already 
sufferied  much  from  the  fire  of  two  of  their  batteries, 
and  were  aware  that  a  third  was  about  to  o\teh  upon 
us.  Under  these  circumstances,  I  resolved  to  storm 
the  batteries,  destroy  the  cannon?  and  roughly  handle 
the  brigade  upon  duty,  before  those  in  reserve  could 
be  brought  into  action. 

On  the  morning  of  the  17th,  the  infantry  and  rifle* 
niHH,  regular!)  and  mditia,  were  ordered  to  be  para- 
ded and  put  in  readiness  to  march  precisely  at  ')2 
o'clock.  Gen.  Porter  with  the  volunteers.  Col.  G.b- 
son  With  the  riflemen,  and  M^ijor  Brooks  with  the 
23d  and  1st  infantry,  and  a  few  dragoons  acting  as 
infantry,  were  ordered  to  mov  e  from  the  extreme  left 
of  onr  position  upon  the  enemy's  right,  by  a  passn^c 
opened  through  the  woods  for  the  occasion.  Gen. 
Mdler  was  directed  to  station  his  command  in  the  ra- 
vine which  lies  between  Port  Erie  and  the  enemy's 
batteries^  by  passing  them  by  detachments  through  (he 
skirts  of  tie  wood-*^and  the  2 1st  nitantry  under  Gen. 
Ripley  was  posted  as  a  corps  of  reserve  between  the 
new  bastions  of  Fort  Erie  j  all  under  cover,  and  out 
of  the  view  of  the  enemy. 

About  20  minutes  before  3,  P.  M.  I  found  the  left 
columns,  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Porter,  which 
were  destined  to  turn  the  enemy's  right,  within  a  few 
rods  of  the  British  entrenchments.  They  were  or- 
dered to  advance  and  commence  the  action.  Psissing 
down  the  ravine,  I  judged  from  the  report  of  mus- 
quetry  that  the  action  had  commenced  on  our  left ;  I 
now  hastened  to  Gen.  Mdler,  and  directed  him  to 
leize  the  moment  and  pierce  the  enemy's  entrench- 
ment  between  batteries  No.  2  and  3.  My  orders  were 
p.'omptly  and  ably  executed.  Within  30  minutes  af- 
ter the  first  gun  was  fired,  batteries  No.  2  and  3,  the 
euemy's  Ime  of  entrenchments,  aad  his  two  block 


1 

( 

1  ~ 

i  ''    ' 

i 
1    ' 

'  :  .ill  i 

.  H 

•ili 


:i 


f'^ 


'}> 


'i'^,^ 


f.  ,' 


)• 


mm 


326 


HISTORY   OP  THE  VJATL. 


houses,  were  in  our  possession.  Soon  after  battery 
No.  I  was  abandoned  by  the  British.  The  gunti  in 
each  were  spiked  by  us,  or  otherwise  destroyed,  and 
the  magazine  of  No.  3  was  blown  up. 

A  few  minutes  before  the  explosion,  I  had  ordered 
up  the  reserve  under  Gen.  Ripley.  As  he  passed 
me  at  the  head  of  his  column,  I  desired  him  as  he 
would  be  the  senior  in  advance,  to  ascertain  as  near 
as  possible,  the  situation  of  (he  troops  in  general,  and 
to  have  a  care  that  not  more  was  hazarded  than  the 
occasion  required  :  that  the  object  of  the  sortie  ef- 
fected, the  troops  would  retire  in  good  order,  &c. 
Gen.  Ripley  passed  rapidly  on — soon  after,  I  became 
alarmed  for  Gen.  Miller,  and  sent  an  order  for  the 
21st.  to  hasten  to  his  support  towards  battery  No.  1. 
Col.  Upham  received  the  order,  and  advanced  to  the 
aid  of  Gen.  Miller.  Gen.  Ripley  had  inclined  to  the 
left,  where  Major  Brooks'  command  was  engaged, 
with  a  view  of  making  some  necessary  enquiries  oi 
that  officer,  and  in  the  act  of  doing  so  was  unfortu- 
nately wounded.  By  this  time  the  object  of  the  sor- 
tie was  accomplished  beyond  my  most  sanguine  ex- 
pectations. Gen.  Miller  had  consequently  ordered 
fhe  troops  on  the  right  to  fall  back — observing  this 
movement,  I  sent  my  staff  along  the  line  to  call  in  the 
other  corps.  Within  a  few  minutes  they  retired  fi'om 
the  ravine,  and  from  thence  to  camp. 

Thus  lOCM)  regulars  and  an  equal  portion  of  mili- 
tia, in  one  hour  of  close  action,  blasted  the  hopes  of 
the  enemy,  destroyed  the  fruits  of  50  diiys  labor,  and 
diminished  his  effective  force  1000  men  at  least. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Drummond  broke  up  his  camp  during 
the  night  of  the  21st,  and  retired  to  his  entrenchments 
;jebind  the  Chippewa.  A  party  of  our  men  came 
up  with  the  rear  of  his  army  at  Frenchman's  creek ; 
the  enemy  destroyed  part  of  their  stores  by  setting 
fire  to  the  buildings  from  which  they  were  employed 
in  conveying  them.  We  found  in  and  about  their 
canip  a  considerable  quantity  of  ci^nnou  ball,  and  up* 
wards  of  100  stand  of  arms, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


327 


I  send  you  enclosed  herein  a  return  of  our  loss. 
l*hc  return  of  prisoners  enclosed  does  not  include  the 
stragglers  that  came  in  after  the  action. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c.  '      " 

JACOB  BROWN. 

'  M:'  AMERICAN  liOW. 

Killed  79 — wounded  214 — missing  218. 

BRITISH   LOSS. 

Killed  271— wounded  311— Prisoners  385. 

—  ' ;  ;>* 

.    Gen.  Macomb  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Plattsburgh,  Sept.  12,  1814. 

[JElxtract.l  SIR — 1  have  the  honor  to  inform  you 
that  the  British  army  commanded  by  Sir  George 
Prevost,  consisting  of  four  brigades,  a  corps  of  artil- 
lery; a  squadron  of  horse,  and  a  strong  light  corps, 
amounting  in  all  to  14,0(M)  men,  atler  investing  this 
place  on  the  north  of  the  Saranac  river  since  the  dth 
inst.  broke  up  their  camp  and  raised  the  siege  this 
morning  at  2  o'clock,  retreating  precipitately,  and 
leaving  their  stck  and  wounded  behind.  The  strength 
of  this  garrison  is  only  15()0  men  fit  for  duty. 

The  light  troops  and  militia  are  in  full  pursuit  of 
the  enemy,  making  prisoners  in  all  directions.  Up- 
wards of  300  deserters  have  already  come  in,  and 
many  arrive  hourly.  Our  loss  in  the  fort  is  trifling 
indeed,  having  only  one  officer  and  15  men  killed, 
and  one  officer  and  30  men  wounded. 

Vast  quantities  of  provision  were  left  behind  and 
destroyed,  also  an  immense  quantity  of  bomb  shells, 
cannon  ball,  grape  shot,  ammunition,  flints,  8cc.  &;c. 
intrenching  tools  of  all  sorts,  also  tents  and  marquees. 
A  great  deal  has  been  found  concealed  in  the  ponds 
and  creeks,  and  buried  in  the  ground,  and  a  vast 
quantity  carried  off  by  the  inhabitants.  Such  was 
the  precipitance  of  his  retreat,  that  he  arrived  atCha- 
%yt  a  distance  of  eight  miles  before  we  discovered 
that  he  had  gone. 

We  have  buried  the  British  officers  of  the  army 
and  navvr  with  the  honors  of  wnr,  and  shewn  every 


ill 


^\¥. 


)!     ' 


ij 


h 


V. 


!"  f*l 


I    ; 


(        h 


I ' ' 


32S 


HISTORY  OF  TBV  WAS. 


attention  and  kindness  to  those  who  have  fallen  into 
our  hands.  The  conduct  of  the  officers,  non-coni^ 
missioned  officers  and  soldiers  of  my  command,  dur- 
ing this  trying  occasion  cannot  be  represented  in  too 
high  terms.  1  have  the  honor  to  be,  !k.c. 

A1J:XANDER  MACOMB. 

-   .>»!     -  AMBHICAM  LUtM. 

Killed  37 — wuundeiHS— missing  20. 

^KITlSH   LUSH. 

Killed  368-wounded  494— prisoners  252— deserteo78b 

Capt  Blaheky  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 
U.  S.  S.  Wasp,  L'Orient,  July  8, 1814. 

SIR-  On  Tuesday  the  28th  ult.  being  then  in  lat- 
itude48,  a6  JV.  and  long.  11, 15  W.  we  fell  in  with, 
engaged,  and  after  an  action  of  19  minutes,  captnred 
his  britannic  Majesty  *s  sloop  of  war  Reindeer,  Wil- 
liam Manners,  Esq.  conmiandelr. 

At  half  past  12,  P.  M.  the  enemy  shewed  a  blue 
and  white  flag  dingonallv  at  the  fore,  and  fired  a  gun. 
At  1,  15,  called  all  hands  to  quarters  and  prepared 
for  action ;  1, 22,  believing  we  could  weather  the  en- 
emy, tacked  ship  and  stood  for  him  ;  1»  50  the  ene- 
my tacked  ship  and  stood  from  ns;  1,  56,  hoisted  our 
colors  and  fired  a  gun  to  windward ;  at  2, 20,  the  en- 
emy still  standing  from  us,  set  the  royals ;  at  '2,  25, 
set  the  flying  gib ;  at  2,  29,  set  the  upper  staysails ; 
at  3>  32,  the  eiiemy  having  tacked  for  us  took  in  th3 
staysails ;  at  2, 47,  furled  the  royalty :  at  2,  51,  seeing 
that  the  enemy  would  be  able  to  weather  us,  tacked 
ship ;  at  3,  3,  the  enemy  hoisted  his  flying  gib — braiU 
cd  up  our  mizen  ;  at  3,  15,  the  enemy  on  our  weather 
quarter,  distant  about  <J0  yards,  fired  h\h  shitting  gnn, 
a  1 2  pound  carronnde  at  us,  loaded  with  round  and 
grape  shot  from  his  top-gallant  forecastle;  at  3,17, 
tired  the  same  gun  a  second  time ;  at  3,  19,  fired  it  a 
third  time ;  at  3,  21,  fired  it  a  fourth  time  ;  at  3,  24, 
a  tilth  shot,  all  from  thes»me  gun.  Finding  the  en- 
emy did  not  get  snfiiciently  on  the  beam  to  enable  us 
to  bring  onr  gnus  to  bear,  put  the  helm  a-lee,  and  at 
2d  minutes  after  3,  commenced  the  action  with  the  at- 


fallen  into 

non*coni'-- 
mand,  duN 
nted  in  too 

lCOMB. 

de8erleo78b 

» 

iNavy. 

then  in  lat- 
lell  in  \irith» 
es,  captnred 
ndeer,  Wil- 

>wed  a  bine 
1  fired  a  gun< 
nd  prepared 
alher  the  en- 
,  60  the  ene- 
I,  hoisted  our 
1, 20,  the  en- 
is;  alisJ,  26, 
ler  staysails ; 
took  in  th3 
!,  51,  seeing 
r  us,  tacked 
gib — brail- 
our  weather 

ihittiitg  g"n» 

round  and 

le  ;  at  a,  17, 

19,  fired  it  a 

e ;  at  3,  24, 

lUng  the  en- 

to  enable  us 

i-lee,  and  at 

a  with  the  af- 


mSTORY  OF  tHE  WAR. 


329 


ler  darronade  on  the  starboard  side,  and  fired  in  snc^ 
,ceMion  ;  at  3,  34,  hauled  up  the  mainsail;  at  3,  40, 
the  enemy  having  his  larboard  bow  in  contact  with 
our  larboard  quarter  endeavored  to  hoard  us,  but  wab 
repulsed  in  every  attempt ;  at  3,  44,  orders  were  giv- 
en to  board  in  turn,  which  were  promptly  executed, 
when  all  resistance  immediately  ceased,  and  at  3,  45, 
the  enei^y  hauled  down  his  flag* 

The  Reindeer  ntounted  sixteen  24  lb.  carronades, 
two  long  6  Or  9  pounders,  and  a  shifting  12  lb.  car'* 
ronade,  with  a  complement  on  board  of  118  men. 
Her  crew  was  said  to  be  the  pride  of  Plymouth. 

The  Reindeer  was  literally  cut  to  pieces  in  a  line 
with  her  pcu'ts ;  her  upperworks,  boats  and  spare 
spars  were  one  complete  wreck. — A  breeze  springing 
<ip  the  next  afternoon  her  foremast  went  by  the  board. 
,  Having  received  all  the  prisoners  on  board,  which 
from  the  number  of  wounded  occupied  much  time, 
together  with  their  baggage,  the  Reindeer  was  on  the 
evening  of  the  29th  set  on  fire,  and  in  a  few  hours 
blew  up.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

J.  BLAKFLEY. 

Ti  American  Loss. — Killed  5 — wounded  21.      .  > 
British  Loss. — filled  llt3 — wounded  42. 

Capl.  Blakeley  to  the  Secretary  of  the   Navy. 
U.  S.  S.  Wasp,  at  sea,  Sept.  1 1, 1814. 
{Exlract.l  SIR — I  have  the  honor  of  informing 
you  of  the  destruction  of  H.B.  M.  brig  Avon,of  18guns 
by  this  ship  on  the  1st  inst.    At  6,  30  minutes  P.  M. 
discovered  4  sail ;  2  on  our  starboard,  and  2  on  our 
larboard  bow ;  hauled  up  for  one  on  our  starboard 
bow,  being  farthest  to  windward.   At   7,  the   brig 
made  signals,  with  flags,  lanterns,  rockets,  and  guns. 
At  9,  29,  the  chase  being  under  our   lee  bow,  com- 
menced the  action  by  tiring  a  12  lb.   carronade   at 
him,  which  he  returned,  when   we  run  under  his  lee, 
baw  to  prevent  his  escaping.     At  10,  believing  the 
enemy  to  be  silenced,  ceased  firing,  and   hailed   and 
asked  if  he  had  surrendered.    JSm  answer  being  giv- 


I  il 


I'- 


1  % 


it' 


il 


r 


)■ 


li 


i: 


I  I! 


i:ii;' 


t!!l 


830 


UISTOKY   OF  THE  WAR. 


en,  and  he  haviuc^  recommenced  Aring,  it  was  return- 
ed. At  10, 12,  the  enemy  bavin<jf  suffered  greatly, 
and  having'  made  no  return  to  our  two  last  broadsides, 
I  h^'iled  the  second  time,  when  he  answered  in  the 
aiiii  it,  atlve.  Tlie  guns  were  then  ordered  to  be  se- 
cureu,  and  the  buat  lowered  to  take  possession.  In 
the  act  of  lowering  the  boat,  a  second  brig  was  dis- 
covered close  under  our  stern,  and  standing  for  us. 
Sent  the  crew  to  quarters,  and  prepared  for  another 
action,  and  waited  his  coming  up.  At  10,  30,  dis- 
covered two  more  sails  astern,  standing  for  us.  Our 
braces  having  been  cut  away,  we  kept  off  the  wind, 
until  others  could  be  rove,  with  the  expectation  of 
drawing  the  second  brig  from  his  companions,  but  was 
disappointed ;  liaving  continued  approaching  us  until 
Within  gun  shot  she  suddenly  hauled  by  the  wind,  fir- 
ed a  i>roadside,  which  done  considerable  damage, 
and  soon  retraced  her  steps  to  join  her  consorts.  Our 
prize,  when  we  abandoned  her,  was  firing  guns  of 
distress  ;  the  two  last  sails  came  to  her  assistance,  in 
time  to  save  her  crew  from  sinking  with  the  vessel, 
Avbich  went  down  soon  aflerwards.  I  have  the  hon- 
or to  be,  &c.  J.  BLAKELE Y. 
American  Loss. — Killed,  2 — wounded,  1. 
British  Loss. — Killed,  12 — wounded  33. 


,  „      ••! 


\  i    GeU'  M^ Arthur  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Head-Q,uarters,  Detroit,  Nfov.  18, 1814. 

\Extract.'\  SIR  -  I  have  the  honor  of  reporting  to 
you  the  sate  return  of  the  mounted  troops  to  this  place. 

It  was  deemed  expedient,  from  the  arder  of/  the 
Kentucky  and  Ohio  volunteers  and  militia,  that  they 
should  be  actively  employed  in  the  enemy's  terirtory, 
with  a  view  to  destroy  their  resources,  and  paraliae 
any  attempt  they  might  make  on  this  post  during 
the  winter.  Accordingly  f)30  troops,  and  70  Indians, 
were  put  in  motion  to  destroy  the  valuable  mills  at 
the  head  of  Lake  Ontario,  and  Grand  River.  We 
proceeded  over  the  river  St.  Clair,  down  to  the  Scotch 
Settlement,  up  Bear  Creek,  about  OO  miles,  and  u 


HISTORY   OF  Till-:    WAU. 


'6iil 


cross  to  the  Moi'av  .an  towns,   where  we  arrivnil  the 
30lh  ult. 

We  were  fortunate  at  this  place  in  takings  a  Bri- 
tigh  officer  who  was.  |.roceedin{if  to  Burlington  with 
the  information  of  our  approach,  which  enableil 
us  to  reach  Delaware  town  undiscovered.  The  ran- 
gers were  detached  across  the  Thames,  to  pass  in 
rear  of  thetown^to  ^uard  the  different  roads,  whilst 
the  troops  were  swimming  their  horses  across.  VVc 
were  thus  enabled  to  reach  Oxford,  loO  miles  from 
Detroit,  before  they  heard  of  our  approach.  A  i'ew 
hours  before  oar  arrival  at  Buford,  the  enemy  retreat- 
ed to  Midcom's  mills,  on  the  road  to  Burlington 
where  they  were  reinforced,  to  the  number  of  500 
militia,  and  about  100  Indians.  A  deep  creek  of 
difficult  passage,  except  at  a  bridge  immediately  in 
front  of  their  works,  which  had  been  partly  dcstri>yed, 
lay  between  us.  Arrangements  were  made  for  a  joint 
attack  on  their  front  and  rear.  The  Ohio  troops  were 
thrown  across,  under  cover  of  a  thick  wood,  and  the 
Kentucky  troops  were  ordered  to  attack  in  front. 
The  enemy  were  entirely  defeated  and  dispersed,  with 
the  loss  of  1  Capt.  and  17  privates  killed,  and  3  Capts. 
5  subalterns,  and  103  privates,  taken  prisoners.  Our 
loss  was  only  one  killed,  and  six  wounded.  The 
next  day  we  proceeded  on  and  took  several  priso  ners, 
200  stand  ot  arms,  and  destroyed  five  valuable  mills, 
when  we  commenced  our  return  much  for  this  place, 
which  we  reached  yesterday. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  8;c.    D.  M'  AHTHUU. 


.■'} 


■   i 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


Geu.  Jackson  to  Gov.  Earh/. 

Head-Q,uarters,  Tensaw,  Nov.  14th,  1814. 

[Extract.]  SIR — O.i  last  evening  I  returned  from 

Pensacoia  to  ihis  place — I  reached   thit  post  on  the 

evening  of  the  Olh.     On  my    approach,  I  sent   Maj. 

Pierre  witii  u  Hag  to  comuiunieate.  the  object  of  my. 


!, 


,       I 


i     ', 


\  1 


V 


^'42 


HISTORY  Of  TIIE   WAR. 


fl|i 


■>    ! 


,    (, 


'4 


i   \U\,'u  :    i 


h'    ':: 


visit  lo  llir  Gov.  ol  Pensncula.  lie  approachfd  fort 
Si.  (i('«,)rift>,  with  his  tluji;  diM|>luye(l,  and  wus  tired  on 
bv  II  e  Cfiiiiori'truiii  the  lurt-~  lo  returned  and  made 
I'f'port  Ihertof  to  me.  I  ininudiatel)' wtnt  with  the 
Adj.  Cien.  and  the  Muj.  with  a  small  escoA,  and 
vuwed  tht'toit  and  found  it  defended  by  BritiMh  and 
Spiiuish  troo|»t».  I  immediately  determined  to  storm 
the  town. 

On  the  morning  of  the  7tli  I  marched   with  the 
efteclive  regulars  of  the  3d,  39lh,  and  44lh  iiifpiitry, 
part  of  Gen.   CoftVen  brigade,  the  MisHissippi   dra-« 
goons,  and  part  of  the  Wt^st  Tenessee  regiment,  and 
partoftheClioctaws  led    by   Maj.  Blue,  ofthedOlh 
atid  Maj.  Kennedy  of  Missisnippi  territory.     Being 
encamped  on  the  west  of  the  town  1  calculated  they 
would  expert  the  assault  from  that  quarter,   and  he 
p'epared  to  rake  me  from  the  fort,  and   the  British 
armed  vessels,  seven  in  number,  that  lay  in  the  hay. 
To  cherish  this  idea  1  sent  out  part  of  the   mounted 
men  to  show  themselves  on  the  vtest,  whilst  I  passed  iii 
rear  of  the  fort  undiscovered  to  the  east  of  the  town. 
When  1  appeared  within  a  mile,  1  was  i|i  full   view. 
My  pride  was  never  more  heightened  than  viewing 
the  uniform  tirmnessof  my  troops,  and  with  what  un- 
daunted courage  they  advanced,  with  a  strong  fort 
ready  to  assail  them  on  the  right,  7  British  armed  ves- 
sels on  the  left,  and  strong  blockhouses  and  hattenes  of 
cannon  in  their  front,  but  they  still   advanced   with 
unshaken  firmness,  entered  the  town<  when  a  battery 
of  two  cannon  was  opened  upon  the  centre  column 
composed  of  the  reg^ilars,  With  ball  and  grape,  and  a 
shower  of  musketry  from  the  houses  apd  gardens. 
The  battery  was  immediately   stormed  by  Capt.  |je- 
vnll   and   company,  and  carried,  and  the   musketry 
was  soon  silenced  by  the  steady  and  well  directed  hre 
of  the  regulars. 

The  Gov.  met  Cols.  Williamson  and  Smith,  who 
Jed  the  dismounted  volunteirs,  with  a  flag,  begged 
for  merry,  and  surrendered  the  town  anti  fort  uncon- 
ditionally ;  mercy  was  granted  and  protection  given 
to  the  citizens  and  their  property.  ,     ',^  <v.. .. 


HISTORY  Ot  THB  WAM. 


339 


On  t}ie  morning  of  the  8lli  1  prepared  to  march  and 
storm  the  Birancat,  but  b^  fore  1  ronid  move  tremend- 
ous explosionN  told  uie  that  the  Baraiicas  with  all  its 
u|)|)endut^eti,  was  blown  up.  I  diHpalcheii  a  detach- 
ment of  two  hundred  men  to  explore  it,  who  reiunifd 
ill  the  niirht  with  the  information  thitt  it  was  blown  up, 
all  the  combu-stible  parts  burnt,  the  cannon  spiked 
and  disniouiitud  except  two  :  this  beinj^  the  caHc,  I 
(letermiiitid  lo  withdraw  my  troops,  but  before  I  ditl  I 
bail  the  pleasure  to  nee  the  BritiHn  depart. 

The  steady  fiiuineHH  of  my  troops  has  dr  wnajnst 
resjiect  from  our  enemies — It  has  convinced  the  Red 
Slicks  that  they  have  nu  Nlrong  hold  or  protection, 
only  in  the  friendship  of  the  U-  S.  The  good  order 
and  conduct  of  my  troops  whilst  in  Pensacola,  lias. con- 
vinced the  Spaniards  of  our  friendship,  and  prowess, 
and  has  drawn  from  the  citizens  an  exprfssion 
tbat  our  Ciioctaws  are  moreciviJized  than  the  British. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,     c. 

ANDHEW  JACKSON. 

Gen.  Jackson  to  the  Secretarif  of  War. 
Head-Q^iarters,  New-Orleans,  Dec.  27,  1814.  ' 
[t^tract.]  SIU — 1  have  the  honor  to  inform  you 
of  the  result  of  the  action  on  the  23d.  The  loss  of 
our  gun  boats  near  the  pass  of  the  Rigolets,  having 
given  the  enemy  comiuand  of  lake  Borgne,  he  >iiias 
enabled  to  choose  his  point  of  attack.  It  became 
therefore  an  object  of  importance  to  obstruct  the  nu-  ^ 
merous  bayous  and  canals  leading  from  that  lake, 
to  the  highlands  on  the  Mississippi.  This  im})ortant 
S'ji'vice  was  committed  to  Major  Gen.  Villere  coin- 
iQiiiiding  the  district  between  the  river  and  the  lakes, 
and  who,  being  a  native  of  the  country,  was  presum- 
ed to  be  best  acquainted  with  all  those  passes.  Un- 
fortunately, however,  a  picquet  which  the  Gen., had 
established  at,  the  mouth  of  the  bayou  Bienvenu,  and 
which  notwithstanding  my  orders  had  been  left  un- 
obstructed, was  completely  surprised,  and  the  enemy 
penetrated  through  a  canal  leading  to  hid  farm,  about 
two  leagues  beiiow  the  city,  and  succeeded  ia  catting 


:.il 


1* 


i       \\ 


in 


'i\ 


^r 


3S4 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAB. 


off  a  company  of  militia  stationed  there. — This  intel- 
ligence was  communicated  tome  about  12  o'clock  on 
the  22d.  My  force  at  this  time  did  not  exceed  in  all 
1500.  I  arrived  near  the  enemy's  encampment  about 
seven,  and  immediately  made  my  dispositions  for  tlie 
attack.  His  forces  amounting  at  that  time  on  land  to 
about  3000,  extended  half  a  mile  on  the  river,  and  in 
the  rear  nearly  to  the  wood.  Gen.  Coffee  was  ordered 
to  turn  their  right,  while  witli  the  residue  of  the  force 
J  attacked  his  strongest  position  on  the  left  near  the 
river. 

Com.  Patterson  having  dropped  down  the  river  in 
the  schooner  Caroline,  was  directed  to  open  a  fire  up- 
on tharcatnp,  which  he  executed  at  about  half  after 
seven.  This  being  the  signal  of  attack.  Gen.  Coffee's 
men  with  their  usual  impetuosity,  rushed  on  the  en- 
emy's right  and  entered  their  camp,  while  our  right 
advanced  with  equal  order.  A  thick  fog  arose  about 
8  o'clock  occasioning  some  confusion  among  the  dif- 
ferent corps.  Fearing  the  consequences,  under  this 
circumstance,  of  the  prosecution  of  a  night  attack 
with  troops  then  acting  together  for  the  first  time,  I 
eoiiteuted  myself  with  lying  on  the  field  that  night ; 
and  at  four  in  the  morning  assumed  a  stronger  posi- 
tion about  two  miitis  nearer  the  city.    rKy#v 

In  this  affair  the  whole  corps  under  my  command 
deserve  the  greatest  credit.  The  best  complement 
I  can  pay  to  Gen.  Coffee  and  his  brigade  is  .to  say 
they  have  behaved  as  they  have  always  done  while 
under  my  command.  The  two  field  pieces  were  well 
served  by  the  officer  commanding  them. 

We  have  made  1  major,  2  subalterns,  and  sixty- 
three  privates  prisoners.     I  have  the  honor,  i&c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 
American  £/0«s.-^Killed  and  wounded  100.. 
British  Loss. — ^Killed  (k  wounded  344,  prisoners  66. 

Gm.  Jackson  to  the  Secretary,  of  War.  . 
Head-Quarters,  New-Orleans,  Jan.  13,  1815. 
[Extract.\  SIR — At. such  a  crisis  I  conceive  it  my 
duty  to  keep  you  constantly,  advised  of  my  situation. 


HlS'TOllY  OF  TH£  WAii. 


335 


£arly  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  the  enemy  having* 
been  actively  employed  the  two  preceding  days  m 
making  preparations  for  a  storm,  advanced  in  two 
strong  columns  on  my  right  and  left.  They  were  re- 
ceived however,  with  a  firmness  which  seems,  they  lit^ 
tie  expected,  and  which  defeated  all  their  hopes. 
My  men  undisturbed  by  their  approach,  which  indeed 
they  long  anxiously  wished  for,  opened  upon  them  a 
tire  so  deliberate  and  certain,  as  rendered  their  seal* 
ing  ladders  and  fascines,  as  well  as  their  more  direct 
implemeiits  of  warfare,  perfectly  useless.  For  up- 
wards of  an  hour  it  was  continued  with  a  briskness  of 
which  there  have  been  but  few  instances,  perhaps,  in 
any  country.  In  justice  to  the  enemy  it  must  be  said, 
they  withstood  it  as  long  as  could  have  been  expected 
from  the  most  determined  bravery.  At  length  how- 
ever when  all  prospect  of  success  became  hopeless, 
they  fled  in  confusion  from  the  field— leaving  it  cov- 
ered with  their  dead  and  wounded. 

My  loss  was  inconsiderable ;  being  only  ''^seven 
killed  and  six  wounded. 

.  Such  a  disproportion  in  loss,  when  we  consider  the 
number  and  the  kind  of  troops  engaged,  must,  I 
kHOw,excite  astonishment,  and  may  hot,  every  where, 
be  fully  credited  :  yet  I  am  perfectly  satisfied  that  the 
account  is  not  exaggerated  on  the  one  part,  nor  un- 
derrated on  the  other. 

Whether  at\er  the  severe  losses  he  has  sustained, 
he  is  preparing  to  return  to  his  shipping,  or  to  make 
still  mightier  efforts  to  attain  his  tirst  object,  I  do 
Qot  pretend  to  determine.  It  becomes  me  to  act  as 
though  the  latter  were  his  intention.  One  thing, 
however,  seems  certain,  that  if  he  still  calculates  on 
effecting  what  he  has  hitherto  been  unable  to  accbm- 
|)lish  he  must  expect  considerable  reinforcements  as 
the  force  with  which  he  landed,  must  undoubtedly  be 
diminished  by  at  least  3000.  Besides  the  loss  wnich 
he  sustained  on  the  night  of  the  2^d  ultimo,  which  is 
estimated  as  four  hundred,  he   cannot  have  suffered 

*  This  mu  in  the  action  .on  l/ie  lint—ajtirmarda  a  tkirmiahing 
was  kept  up  in  nhich  afim  more  q/'ottr  men  nerefost. 


Mi 


(! 


■iU 


■-!  \ 


m 


II 


it. 


•i 


''  V . 


ti'l, 


i 


886 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


]es6  between  that  period  and  the  morning'  of  the  6th 
inst,  thaii  800 ;  having  within  that  time,  been  repulgtd 
in  two  general  attempts  to  drive  us  from  our  position, 
And  there  having  been  continual  cannonading  nnd 
skirmishing,  during  the  whole  of  it.  Yet  he  is  still 
.able  to  show  a  very  formidable  forces 

The  commanding   Gen.  Sir  JGdward  Fackenhtifn 
was  killed  in  the  action  of  the   8th,   and  Maj.  Gensv 
Kean  and  Gibbs  were  mortally  wounded. 
:    I  have  tliie  honor  to  be,  4(C. 

0  >     u.  ANDREW  JACKSON. 

American  Loss — Killed  7-^wounded  6« 

British  Loss— Kiiied  70U^wouuded  1400—pritr. 
.4ners  dOO. 

,um'*  <      Lieut.  Shields  to  Com.  Patterson^ 
.[Eietract.']  New  Orleans,  Jan.  25th,  1816 

.  -SIR — I  have  the  honor  of  reporting  the  result  <a 
the  expedition  ordered  by  you  on  the  17th  inst.  The 
19th,  at  night,  Melt  the  Pass  Cheuf  Menteur,  having 
made  the  necessary  observations  on  the  enemy  befori 
dark,  with d  boats  and  youf*  gig,  manned  with  50 men. 
At  10.  P.  M.  captured  a  boat  by  surprize,  manned 
"with  65  men.  The  number  of  prisoners  exceeding 
my  men,  1  thought  it  most  prudent  to  land  them,  lo 
prevent  weakening  my  force,  which  was  accordingly 
done,  and  the  prisoners  were  put  into  the  charge  of 
tiie  army  at  the  Pass.  The  2 1st,  at  day  light,  I  again 
fell  into  the  track  of  the  fleet.  Finding  it  impossible 
to  make  any  captures,  without  being  discovered,  T 
determined  to  run  down  among  them,  and  strike  at 
every  opportunity-^-hoisted  English  colors,  and  took 
a  transport  boat  with  5  men .;  ordered  her  to  follow, 
and  stood  for  a  transport  Schooner,  with  10  men, 
iwhich  I  boarded  with  8  men,  and  took  without  op* 
f)osition.  From  0,  to  12  o'clock,  we  were  in  the 
midst  of  their  boats,  and  succeeded  in  taking  5  more, 
with  about  70  men.  The  enemy's  loss  on  this  occa- 
sion was  140  prisoners,  7  boats  and  Itransport  Schoon- 
er.   1  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

THO.  SHIELDS. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


83: 


.%»»L  Sailinfj-Mttster  Johnson  to  Com.  Patterson.      1 1 

New-Orleans^  Jan.  7lli,  1815. 
[Extract.]  SIR— I  have  the  pleasure  of  informing; 
youof  my  succeeding  in  destroyinia;^  a  transport  brig* 
in  lake  Bo>'gne,  yesterday,  at  4.  A.  M.  On  the  5th 
inst.  I  proceeded  down  to  the  east  mouth  of  the  Pass, 
to  ascertain  the  enemy's  position  ;  findings  at  anchor 
there  one  bri^,  3  gfuiiboats,  3  Schooners,  and  several 
bars^es,  the  brig  lying  a  mile  distant  from  the  others, 
I  returned,  and  determined  on  making  an  attempt  to 
destroy  her.  Mv  crew  now  amounted  to  38  men  ; 
with  this  force  t  was  confident  I  should  be  able  to 
destroy  her,  although  I  had  been  previously  inform- 
ed she  mounted  4  peices  of  cannon,  and  equipped  ac- 
cordingly. On  the  6th  at  4,  A.  M.  we  boarded  the 
brig,  her  crew  consisting  of  a  Cupt.  a  sailing-master, 
and  8  marines,  making  no  resistance.  It  being  nearly 
daylight,  I  ordered  the  prisoners  into  my  boat,  and  set 
fire  to  the  brig,  which  proved  to  be  the  Cyrus,  loaded 
with  rum,  bread,  and  soldiers  clothing. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  <&c.  '    .,r 

VVM.  JOHNSON.  'A 


I.! 


'ff 


ADDRESS, 

Directed  by  Major  General  Jackson  to  be  read  at  tJte 

head  of  each  of  the  corps  composint/  the  line  below 

New-Orleanst  Jan.  21,  1815. 

Citizens  and  fellow  soldiers!  The  enemy  has  i'e> 
treated,  and  your  general  has  now  leisure  to  pro- 
claim to  the  world  what  he  has  noticed  with  admira- 
tiun  and  pride — your  undaunted  courage,  your  patri- 
otism, and  patience,  under  hardships  and  fatigues. — 
Natives  of  dif}ereut  States,  acting  together  for  the  first 
time  in  this  camp;  differing  in  habits  and  in  lan- 
guage, instead  of  viewing  m  these  circumstances  the 
germ  of  distrust  and  division,  yon  have  made  them  the 
source  of  an  honorable  emulation,  and  trom  the  seeds 
of  discord  itself  have  reaped  the  fruits  of  an  honora- 
ble union.  This  day  completes  the  fourth  week  since 
fifteen  hundred  of  you  attacked  treble  your  nu«ibei 

-...    .      ■.•        43, 


;  1.     i| 

il 


H 


ili: 


!i  l\ 


d3ft 


HISTORY   OF  THE   WAR. 


cf  men,  who  had  boastrd  of  their  discipline  and  their 
services  under  a  celebrated  leader,  in  a  long  anri 
eventt'ut  war — attacked  them  in  their  camp,  the  mt- 
mcnt  they  had  profaned  the  soil  of  freedom  withtheii 
hostile  tread,  and  inflicted  a  blow  which  was  a  pre- 
lude to  the  final  result  of  their  attempt  to  conquer,  or 
their  poor  contrivances  to  divide  us.  A  few  hours 
was  sufficient  to  unite  the  {gallant  band,  though  atlhe 
moment  they  received  the  welcome  order  to  march, 
they  were  separated  many  leagues,  in  different  direc- 
tions from  the  city.  The  gay  rapidity  of  tl.c  march, 
and  the  chceifnl  countenances  of  the  officers  and  men, 
would  have  induced  a  belief  that  some  festive « enter- 
tainment, not  the  strife  of  battle,  was  the  scene  to 
which  they  hustened  with  so  umch  eagerness  and  hi- 
larity. In  the  conflict  that  ensued,  the  same  spirit 
was  supported,  and  my  communication  to  the  executive 
of  the  U.  S.  have  testified  the  sense  I  entertained  of 
the  merits  of  the  corps  and  officers  that  were  engag- 
ed. Resting  on  the  Held  of  battle,  they  retired  in 
perfect  order  on  the  the  next  morning  to  these  lines, 
destined  to  become  the  scene  cf  future  victories,  which 
they  were  to  share  with  the  reei  of  you,  my  bnve 
companions  in  arms.  Scarcely  were  your  lines  a 
protecl!on  against  musket  shot,  when  on  the  28th  a 
disposition  was  made  to  attack  them  with  all  the 
pomp  and  parade  of  military  tactics,  as  improved  by 
those  veterans  of  the  Spanish  war. 

Their  batteries  of  heavy  cannon  kept  up  an  inces- 
sant tire;  their  rockets  illuminated  the  air;  and  under 
their  cover  two  strong  columns  threatened  our  flanks. 
The  foe  inmlently  thought  that  this  spectacle  was  too 
imposing  to  be  resisted,  and  in  the  intoxication  of  his 
pride  he  already  saw  our  lines  abandoned  without  a 
contest— how  were  those  menacing  appearances  met? 

By  shouts  of  defiance,  by  a  manly  countenance, 
not  to  be  shaken  by  the  roar  of  his  cannon,  or  by  the 
glare  of  his  firework  rockets  ;  by  an  artillery  served 
-with  superior  skill,  and  with  deadly  efl'ect.  Never, 
my  brave  friends,  can  your  Gen.  forget  the  tetimoni- 
als  of  attachment  to  our  glorious  cause  of  indignant  hut- 


line  and  their 
1  a  long-  anri 
amp,  the  mt- 
om  with  theii 
h  was  a  pre- 
0  conquer,  or 
A  few  hours 
though  at  the 
tier  to  march, 
ifferent  direc- 
of  tl.L  march, 
cers  and  men, 
festire^enter- 
the  scene  to 
;rness  and  hi- 
le  same  spirit 
the  executive 
ittertained  of 
were  engag- 
jy  retired  in 
9  these  lines, 
dories,  which 
J,  my  bf^ve 
your  lines  a 
)u  the  28th  a 
with  all  the 
improved  by 

.  up  an  inces- 
r;  and  under 
ed  our  flanks, 
tacle  was  too 
ication  of  his 
ed  without  a 
arauces  met? 
countenance, 
on,  or  by  the 
tillery  served 
feci.  Never, 
the  tetimoni- 
ndignanthut- 


HISTORY  OF  THE   WAR. 


839 


red  to  oar  foe,  of  effectiunate  confidence  in  your  chief, 
that  resounded  from  every  rank,  as  he  passed  a  ong 
your  line.  This  animating  scene  damped  the  cour- 
age of  the  enemy  ;  he  drop|)ed  his  scaling  ladders 
and  fascines,  and  the  threatened  attack  dwindled  in- 
to a  (kmonstrationf  which  served  only  to  shew  the 
emptiiiessof  his  parade,  and  to  inspire  you  with  a 
just  confidence  in  yourselves. 

The  new  year  was  ushered  in  with  th)  most  tre- 
mendious  fire  his  whole  artillery  could  produce,  a 
few  hoiirs  only,  however,  were  necessary  for  tlie  brave 
and  skilful  men  who  directed  our  own  to  dismount 
his  catnion,  destroy  his  batteries,  and  e^lectually  si- 
lence his  fire.  Hitherto,  my  brave  friends,  in  the 
contest  on  our  lines,  your  courage  had  been  passive 
only  ;  you  stood  with  calmness,  a  fire  that  would 
have  tried  the  firmness  of  a  vetran,  and  you  anticipa- 
ted a  nearer  contest  with  an  eagerness  which  was  soon 
to  be  gratified. 

On  the  8th  of  Jan.  the  final  effort  was  made.  At 
the  dawn  of  day  the  batteries  opened  and  thecornmns 
advanced.  Knowing  that  the  volunteers  from  Ten- 
nessee and  the  militia  from  Kentucky  were  stationed 
on  your  left,  it  was  there  they  directed  their  chief  at- 
tack. 

Reasoning  always  from  false  principles,  they  ex- 
pected little  opposition  from  men  wliose  oftic  ers  even 
were  not  in  uniform,  who  were  ignorant  of  the  rules 
of  dress,  and  who  had  never  been  caned  into  disci- 
pline— fatal  mistake  !  a  fire  incessantly  ke|)t  up,  di- 
rected with  calmness  and  with  unerring  aim,  strewed 
the  field  with  the  bravest  ofllicers  and  men  of  the  col- 
umn which  slowly  advanced,  according  to  the  most 
approved  rules  of  European  tactics,  and  was  cut 
down  by  the  untutored  courage  of  American  militia. 
Unbie  to  sustain  this  galling  and  unceasing  fire,  some 
hundreds  nearest  the  entrenchment  called  for  quarter, 
which  was  granted — tl.<;  rest  retreating,  were  rallied 
at  some  distance,  but  only  to  make  them  a  surer  mark 
for  the  grape  and  cannister  shotofourartiller),  which, 
without  exaggeration,  mewed  dowu  whole  ranks  at 


!    •    ; 

\X 

\ 

l\i 

; 

M 

\ 

u- 

I 

1 

i  '■ 

1 

' 

'hi 

i   < 

i;r" 


I 


i  ■»:< 


3     I 


\ 

t 

i 

1 

.  1 

340 


HISTORY  OP  THE  WAR. 


V  ■:  i 


i: ' 


>  .1  ■;  Hi'j   A 


;i 


every  discharge  :  and  at  length  they  precipitately  re- 
tired trum  tlietield. 

Our  right  had  only  a  short  conte.st  to  sustain  with 
a  few  rash  men  who  falally  for  themselves,  forced  their 
entrance  mto  the  unfinished  redoubt  on  the  river. 
They  were  quickly  dispossessed,  and  this  glorious  day 
termmated  with  the  loss  to  the  enemy  of  their  com- 
mander in  chief  and  one  Maj.  Gen.  killed,  another 
Maj.Gen.  wouhded,the  most  experienced  and  bravest 
oi  their  officers,  and  more  than  throe  thousand  men 
killed,  wounded  and  missing,  while  our  ranks,  my 
friends,  were  thinned  only  by  the  loss  of  six  of  our  < 
brave  companions  killed  and  seven  disabled  by 
vounds — wonderful  interposition  of  Heaven  \  unex- 
ampled event  in  the  history  of  war ! 

Let  us  he  grateful  to  the  God  of  battles  who  has  di- 
rected the  arrows  of  indignation  against  our  invaders 
while  he  covered  with  his  protecting  shield  the  brave 
defenders  of  their  country. 

After  this  nnsuccessiul  and  disastrous  attempt,  their 
spirits  were  broken,  their  force  was  destroyed,  and 
their  whole  attention  was  employed  in  providing  the 
means  of  escape.  This  they  have  effected  ;  leaving 
their  heavy  artillery  in  our  power,  and  many  of  their 
wounded  to  our  clemency.  The  consequences  of  this 
short,  but  decisive  campaign,  are  incalculably  impor- 
tant. The  pride  of  our  arrogant  enemy  humbled, 
bisforces  broken,  his  leaders  kdled,  his  insolent  hopes 
of  our  disunion  frustrated — his  expectation  of  rioting 
in  our  spoils  and  wasting  our  country  changed  into 
ignominious  defeat,  shameful  flight,  and  a  reluctant 
acknowledgment  of  the  humanity  and  kindness  of 
those  whom  he  had  doomed  to  all  the  horrors  and  hu- 
miliation of  a  conquered  state. 

On  the  other  side,  unanimity  established,  disafiec- 
tion  crushed,  confidence  restored,  your  country  saved 
from  conquest,  your  property  from  pillage,  your  wives 
and  daughttrs  from  insult  and  violation* — the  union 
preserved  from  dismemberment,  and  perhaps  a  period 

*  Prrvious  to  th*>  attack  Oen.  Packenham  gave  out  f.ir  watch- 
tvord, '  Beauty  and  Booty*  aiid  promised  three  days  riot  and  plunder. 


)Halely  re- 

istain  with 
>rced  their 
the   river, 
orious  day 
their  ct»m- 
[\f  another 
iiid  bravest 
jsaiid  men 
ranks,  my 
six  of  our  « 
sahled    by 
b'en)  unex- 

vho  has  di- 
iir  invaders 
d  the  brave 

tempt,  their 
Iroyed,  and 
pviding  the 
|d  ;  leaving 
ny  of  their 
nces  of  this 
biy  inipur- 
humbled, 
jolent  hopes 
11  of  rioting 
inged  into 
reluctant 
indness  of 
rs  and  hu- 

I,  disaffec- 

intry  saved 

Ivour  wives 

-the  union 

)!s  a  period 

It  f<ir  watch- 
I  and  plunder. 


HISTORY  OP  THE  WAR. 


341 


put  by  this  decisive  stroke  to  a  bloody  and  savage 
war.  These,  my  brave  friends,  are  the  consequences 
of  the  efforts  you  have  made,  and  the  success  with 
which  they  have  been  crowned  by  Heaven. 

These  important  results  have  been  effected  by  the 
united  courage  and  perseverance  of  the  army  ;  but 
which  the  different  corps  as  well  as  the  individuals 
that  compose  it,  have  vied  with  each  other  in  their 
exertions  to  produce.  The  gratitude,  the  admi. 
ratior.  of  their  country,  offers  a  fairer  reward  than 
that  which  any  praises  of  the  Gen.  can  bestow,  and  the 
best  is  that  of  which  they  can  never  be  deprived,  the 
consciousness  of  having  done  their  duty,  and  of  merit- 
ing the  applause  they  will  receive. 

CVm.  Decatur  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy.  ■ 
H.  B.  M.  Ship  Endymion,  at  sea,  Jan.  18, 1815. 
SIR — ^The  painful  duty  of  detailing  to  you  the 
particular  causes  which  preceded  and  led  to  the  cap- 
tare  of  the  late  U.  S.  frigate  President  by  a  squadron 
of  his  Britannic  Majesty's  ships*  has  devolved  upon 
me.  In  my  communication  of  the  14th,  I  made 
known  my  intention  of  proceeding  to  sea  on  that  eve- 
ning. Owing  to  some  mistake  of  the  pilots,  the  ship 
in  going  out  grounded  on  the  bar,  where  she  continu- 
ed to  strike  heavily  for  an  hour  and  a  half;  although 
she  had  broken  several  of  her  rudder  braces,  and  had 
received  such  other  material  injury  as  to  render  her 
return  into  port  desirable,  I  was  unable  to  do  so  fron< 
the  strong  westerly  vii'ind  wlich  was  then  blowing. 
We  shaped  our  course  along  the  shore  of  Long-Isl- 
and for  50  miles,  and  then  steered  S.  £.  by  £.  At 
live  o'clock,  three  ships  were  discovered  ahead  ;  we 
immediately  hauled  up  the  ship  and  passed  two  miles 
to  the  northward  of  them.  At  day  light,  we  discov- 
ered four  ships  in  chase,  one  on  each  quarter,  and  two 
astern,  the  leading  ship  of  the  enemy  a  razee — sh«. 
commenced  a  fire  upon  us  but  without  effect.  At 
meridian  the  wind  became  light  and  baffling ;  we 

*  Majestic  razee,  Endymion,  Pomone,  Tenedos,  Dispatch  {brig) 


»>-• 


IM, 


1   ) 


>, 


1 

J'i 


4  I 


vi. 


<     I 


3i2 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


»       t 


I  .! 


had  increased  our  distance  from  the  razee,  but  the 
next  ship  astern,  which  was  also  a  large  ship,  had 
gained  and  continued  to  gain  upon  us  considerably ; 
yve  immediately  occupied  all  hands  to  lighten  ship. 
At  3,  we  had  the  wind  quite  light ;  the  enemy  who 
had  now  been  joined  by  a  brig,  had  a  strung  breeze, 
and  were  coming  up  with  us  rapidly.  The  Eiidy- 
mion  (mounting  50  guns,  24  pounders  on  the  main 
'leek)  had  now  approached  us  within  gun  shot,  and 
had  commenced  a  fire  with  her  bow  guns,  which  we 
returned  from  our  stern.  At  5  o'clock  she  had  ob- 
tained a  position  un  our  starboard  quarter,  within  half 
point  blank  shot,  on  which  neither  our  stern  nor 
quarter  guns  would  bear;  I  remained  with  her  in 
this  position  for  half  an  hour,  in  the  hope  that  she 
Avould  close  with  us  on  our  broadside,  in  which  case 
I  had  prepared  my  crew  to  board,  but  from  his  con- 
tinuing to  yaw  his  ship  to  maintain  his  position,  it  be- 
came evident  that  to  close  was  not  his  intention. 
£very  tire  now  cut  some  of  our  sails  or  rigging.  To 
have  continued  our  course  under  these  circumstances, 
would  have  been  placing  it  in  his  power  to  cripple  us, 
without  being  subject  to  injury  himself,  and  to  have 
hauled  up  more  to  the  northward  to  bring  our  stern 

funs  to  bear*   would  have  exposed  us  to  his  raking 
re. 

It  was  now  dusk  when  I  determined  to  alter  my 
course  south,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  the  enemy 
abeam,  and  although  their  ships  astern  were  drawing 
up  fast,  I  felt  satished  I  should  be  enabled  to  throw 
him  out  of  the  combat  before  they  could  come  up,  and 
was  nol  without  hopes,  if  the  night  proved  dark  (of 
which  there  was  every  appearance)  that  I  might  still 
be  enabled  to  effect  my  escape.  Our  opponent  kept 
off  at  the  same  instant  we  did,  and  our  fire  commenc- 
ed at  the  same  time.  We  continued  engaged,  steer- 
ing south  with  steering  sails  set  two  hours  and  a  half, 
when  we  completely  succeeded  in  dismantling  her. 
Previously  to  her  dropping  entirely  onto*"  the  action, 
there  were  intervals  of  minutes,  when  the  ships  were 
broadside  and  broadside,  and  in  which  she  did  not 


HISTORY  OF  THB   WAK. 


343 


fire  a  (pin.  At  this  period,  half  past  8  o'clock,  al- 
though dark,  the  other  ships  of  the  squadron  were 
in  sight,  and  almost  within  gun  shot.  We  were  of 
course  compelled  to  abandon  her.  In  resuming  our 
former  course  for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  the  squad- 
ron, we  were  compelled  to  present  our  stern  to  our 
antagonist — hut  such  was  his  state,  though  we  were 
thus  exposed  and  within  range  of  his  guns  for  half  an 
hour,  that  he  did  not  avail  himself  of  thi3  favorable 
opportunity  of  raking  us.  We  continued  ihis  course 
until  1 1  o  clock,  when  two  fresh  ships  of  the  enemy 
(the  Pomona  and  Tenedos)  had  come  up.  The  Po- 
mona had  opened  her  fire  on  the  larboard  bow,  with- 
in musket  sliot ;  the  other  about  two  cables'  length 
astern,  taking  a  raking  position  on  our  quarter ;  and 
the  rest  (with  the  exception  of  the  Endymion)  within 
gun  shot.  Thus  situated,  with  about  one  fifth  of  my 
crew  killed  and  wounded,  my  ship  crippled,  and  a 
more  tlian  four-fold  force  opposed  to  me,  without  a 
chance  of  escape  left,  I  deemed  it  my  duty  to  sur- 
render. 

It  is  with  emotions  of  pride  [  bear  testimony  to  the 
gallantry  and  steadiness  of  tvevy  officer  and  man  I 
had  the  honor  to  command  on  this  occasion,  and  I 
feel  satisfied  that  the  fact  of  their  having  beaten  a 
force  equal  to  themselves,  in  the  presence,  and  almost 
under  the  guns  of  so  vastly  a  superior  force,  when, 
too,  it  was  almost  self-evident,  that  whatever  their  ex- 
ertions might  be,  they  must  ultimately  be  captured, 
will  be  taken  as  evidence  of  what  they  would  have 
performed,  had  the  force  opposed  to  them  been  in  any 
degree  equal. 

For  24  hours  af\er  the  action  it  was  nearly  calm, 
and  the  squadron  were  occupied  in  repairing  the 
crippled  ships.  Such  of  the  crew  of  the  President  as 
were  not  badly  wounded,  were  put  or  board  the  dif- 
ferent ships  ;  myself  and  a  part  of  my  crew  were  put 
on  board  this  ship.  On  the  17th  we  had  a  gale  from 
the  eastward,  when  this  ship  lost  her  bowsprit,  fore 
ai  d  main-muiits,  and  mizen  top-mast,  all  of  which 
were   badly  wounded^  and  was,  in  consequence  of 


■  1!  i  i  ■ 

'  ;(! 

J!                j 

'       !'      1 

2  : 

;  !  '  i 

i         .' 

!    ;    ■ 

♦    5 


1 


■'mil- 


844 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


I'wi 


ii'! 


I    V'l 


PJ! 


.  i« 


m    k 


her  difinbted  condition,  obliged  to  throw  overboard 
all  her  u  per  deck  ^uiis. 
I  have  the  he  nor  to  be,  'Sec. 

STEPHEN  DECATUR. 
American  Loss. — Killed  21 — wounded  56,    >  • 
British  Loss — Kdled  15— wounded  28. 

Capt.  Bttyle  to  Mr.  Gtorge  P.  Stephenson. 

Dated  at  sen,  March  2,  1815. 

\Extract?\  SIB — I  havf  the  honor  to  inform  you, 
that  <in  the  20lh  of  Feb.  being  about  six  leagfues  to 
H-indward  of  tlavanna  and  2  lenjirues  from  the  land 
—at  II,  A.  M.  discovered  a  schooner  bearing  N.  £. 
of  us,  apparently  running  before  the  wind;  made 
every  possible  sail  in  chuse.  At  half  past  meridian 
I  tired  a  gun  and  hoisted  the  American  flag,  to  as- 
certain, if  possible,  the  nation  which  she  belonged  to, 
but  she  shewed  no  colors.  At  1,  P.  M.  drawing  up 
"With  him  very  fast,  she  tired  a  stern  chase  gun  at  us, 
and  hoisted  English  colors,  shewing  at  the  same  time 
only  three  ports  in  the  side  next  to  us. 

Under  the  impression  that  she  was  a  running  vessel 
bound  to  Havanna,  weakly  armed  and  manned,  I 
tried  every  effort  to  close  with  him  as  quick  as  possi- 
ble. Saw  very  few  men  on  his  deck,  and  hastily 
made  small  preparation  for  action,  though  my  officers, 
myself  and  men  did  not  expect  anv  tightmg,  of  course 
Ave  were  not  completely  prepared  for  action.  At  1, 
26,  we  were  within  pistol  shot  of  him  when  he  open- 
ed a  tier  of  ten  ports  on  a  side,  and  gave  his  broad- 
side of  round,  grape  and  musket  balls.  1  then  open- 
ed the  Chasseur's  tire  from  the  great  guns  and  musk- 
etry, and  endeavored  to  close  ^ith  him  for  the  pur- 
pose of  boarding;  we  having  quick  way  at  this  tune, 
shot  ahe'\d  of  him  under  his  lee;  he  put  his  helm  up 
for  the  purpose  of  wearing  across  our  stern  and  U) 
give  as  a  raking  fire,  which  I  prevented  by  timely 
taking  notice  of  his  intention,  and  putting  our  helm 
hard  up  also.  He  shot  quick  ahead,  and  I  closed 
within  ten  yards  of  him ;  at  this  time  both  tires  weic 
heavy,  severe  and  destructive.    I  now  found  his  men 


IIISTOUY   OF  THE   WAR. 


346 


hud  been  concealed  under  his  bulwark,  and  that  I 
had  a  heavy  enemv  to  contend  with,  and  at  1, 40,  gave 
the  order  for  board inpf,  which  my  brave  oflicers  and 
men  cheerfully  obevml  with  unexampled  quickness, 
instantly  p^  the  helm  to  Mturbuaru  to  lay  him  un 
board,  and  in  the  act  of  bonrding;  her,  she  surrender- 
ed. She  proved  to  be  H.  B.  Majesty's  schooner  St. 
Lawrence,  commanded  by  Lieut.  James  £.  Gordon, 
of  15  guns,  14  twelve  pound  carronades  upon  an  im- 
proved construction,  and  a  long  ni  le  ;  75  men,  and 
had  on  board  a  number  of  soldiers,  marines,  and 
some  gentlemen  of  the  navy  passengers ;  having  by 
tiie  report  15  killed  and  26  wounded.  1  had  5  men 
killed,  and  8  wounded,  myself  amongst  the  latter, 
though  very  slightly.  Thus  ended  the  action  in  15 
minutes  after  its  commencement,  and  about  8  minutes 
close  quarters,  with  a  force  in  every  respect  equal  to 
our  own. 

The  Chasseur  mounts  six  12  pounders,  and  eight 
■short  0  pound  carronades,  (the  latter  taken  from  one 
of  her  prices)  ten  of  our  12  pound  carronadeti  having 
been  thrown  overboard  while  hard  chased  by  the 
Barrosa  frigate.  .  Yours  with  respect, 
m;^  ,  THOMAS  BOYLE. 

Coi.  ScoUto  Governor  Early. 
miv  winf  *i;         Great  Salill  river,  Feb.  28, 1815. 

[Extract,]  SIR — I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform 
you  of  a  brilliant  affair  having  taken  place  on  the  24th 
inst.  on  the  river  St.  Mary's  between  a  part  of  my  de- 
tachment, 20  men,  commanded  by  Capt.  William 
Mickler,  aided  by  about  30  of  the  I^atriots  of  Flori- 
da, under  Col.  Dill,  and  t>  of  the  enemy's  barges, 
containing  about  250  men,  which  had  attempted  to 
proceed  up  the  river  to  burn  Mr.  A.  C. ark's  mills. 
The  enemy  were  first  attacked  by  the  Putriots  from 
the  Florida  shore,  near  Camp  Pinckney,  when  the 
barges  immediately  tacked  about  to  n '.  sat,  but  onr 
men  being  in  ambush  on  this  shore  gave  them  a  se- 
eoud  rece|>tiou,  and  thus  the  lire  was  k^i  t  up  from 
)im  iu^■^ii;  iu^     ,       44     ,  .  : , 


■'     'A 


li 


,^vll: 


i      ii 


a  ' 


'1 

1  ! 


!;    y 


jji!  '   !    ' 


I  iia 


i 


94^ 


itJSl'OliY  Of  TUB  WAlt. 


l)olh  fthor^  unt'l  they  got  into  ft  greater  extent  6fr\t*. 
erthan  our  riflemn  could  reach.  The  enemy  lout 
160  killed  and  wounded.-^— We  had  one  inan  severely 
trounded  through  the  body*  and  several  received 
balls  through  their  clothes,  but  no  further  injury. 

WILLIAM  SCOTT. 

Sailing-mmhr  John  Hurlburd  to  Com,  Ctunphell. 

U.  B.  Gun  Boat,  No.  168,  Cumberhind  Sound,) 

March  18,  1615.  j 

[Extract]  SIR-^Procieeding  with  the  despatch 
which  you  did  me  tb^  honor  to  entrust  to  my  care,  I 
isailed  trom  Tybce  bar,  at  1,  P.  M.  on  the  16th  inst. 
fvind  N.  £.  steering  south ;  at  half  past  3  descried  a 
kail  in  the  S.  £.  quarter,  which  we  soon  found  to  be 
a  ship  standing  N.  N.  W.  about  40  minutes  after  she 
fired  a  gvm  and  hoisted  her  colors,  the  shot  passing; 
over  our  fore  gaff;  our  colors  were  hoisted,  con- 
tinued our  course  for  a  few  minutes,  When  anoth- 
ijfer  gtih  was  fired ;  the  shot  passed  abaft  the  main  rig<- 
^ng  over  the  lee  quarter.  Heaving  hii  vessel  too  on 
the  starboard  tack,  hailed  me  by  saying,  *  you  damn'd 
rascal,  if  you  don't  lower  your  ooat  down  and  come 
on  board  immediately,  I'll  fire  into  you,  TU  sink  you, 
God  damn  you.'  Seeing  me  in  the  act  of  taking  in 
tile  square  sail, '  why  don't  you  heave  to,  God  damn 
you,  I'll  sink  yon ;  I'll  fire  a  broadside  into  you.' 
As  so6n  as  I  could  foe  heard  I  aaid>  this  is  a  U.  S. 
■vessel,  from  Savannah,  with  despatches  for  Admiral 
Cockburn.  In  the  act  of  pronouncing  the  last  words, 
B  musket  was  fired  at  me,  th«  ball  passed  near  my 
shoulders,  ov^'r  the  hand  of  the  man  at  the  helm,  strHc- 
ing  the  water  frbiM  twenty  to  thirty  het  itota  th^  ves- 
isel.  Putting  the  helm  down,  I  again  infdrmed  him 
of  the  character  of  the  vessel,  8ayiiTg,if  you  Wit^  for 
further  satisfaction  you  are  at  liberty  to  send  your  boat 
tn  board  ;  he  said,  *  I  doni  care  a  damn  for  the  des- 
patches nor  Admiral  Cockburn  either;  God  damn 
them  and  the  United  States  too ;  I'll  fire  a  broadside 
into  you  and  sink  you,  if  yon  don't  lower  yoiw  boat 
down  and  come  on  board,  you  rascal.'  Put  about  and 


HISTORY  OF  THB  WAR. 


847 


run  close  under  the  ship's  lee,  saying, '  this  is  the  U. 
States'  gun  veosel  No.  1H8,  with  despateh(?9  for  the 
AUuiiral  off  Hi.  Mary's ;  if  you  doubt  her  being 
what  she  nppears  to  Us  you'c^n  send  your  bout  on 
to  ird.  Turning  to  me,  he  savs,  *  God  damn  you, 
come  on  board  or  I'll  sink  yout—I'll  fire  thunder  into 
you.'  I  replied,  *  if  you  doi  1  shall  return  yuur  com- 
plements with  lightning.'  Al  this  time  I  received, 
if  possible,  a  greater  flood  of  vulgar  abuse  than  be* 
fore  I  hove  about,  stood  to  windward  of  !iim,  heav- 
ing too  on  his  starboard  quarter,  with  the  larboard 
tacks  on  board  ;  when  a  Lieut,  came  alongside,  .uid 
ordered  me  into  the  boat,  saying,  *  if  you  do  poi  ^o 
on  board,  every  om  Qf  you  will  be  taken  out  and 
carried  to  Cliarleston.'  do  pn  board  a  J  tell  your 
commander  that  J  shall  not  lower  my  t  <oat,  nor  shall 
an  officer  or  man  leave  the  vessel,  but  by  force, 
showing  him  the  paper  for  Admiral  Gockburn.  'If 
you  don't  go  on  board,  you'll  be  sunk  as  soon  as  I  go 
on  board ;  1  advise  you  to  go'-n-<  I  want  no  advice, 
(said  i)  I  have  the  orders  of  Qiy  government,  by 
which  I  am  governed ;  tell  your  commqnder  that 
such  trifling  shall  not  pass  with  impunity.'  On  the 
boat  leaving  us  the  Captain  of  the  ship  said, '  won't 
the  damned  rascal  come  ?  then  come  alongside  and 
let  me  sink  him  ;  J'U  fire  a  broadside  into  him.'  On 
the  i>oat's  reaching  the  ship  .si:*  e  a  gun  was  fired; 
the  shut  passing  to  leewaiu,  through  the  mainsail, 
near  the  mast,  cutting  away  one  of  the  stays,  going 
between  the  forei.  )ast  and  rigging ;  while  he  gave  full 
vent  to  his  vulgar  abuse.  I  now  sow  every  one  of 
•ur  little  crew  aoxiousiy  waiting  the  order  to  fire  in- 
to the  apparent  enemy ;  but  1  considered  that  several 
lives  would  in  all  probability  be  lost,  and  the  flag 
struck  at  last.  Under  these  considerations,  I  fired  a 
gun  across  his  bows,  as  the  vessels  were  lying,  sunk 
the  signals,  And  hauled  the  colors  down.  A  Lieut, 
came  on  board,  to  whom  I  made  a  formal  surrender 
ai'  the  vessel ;  he  observed  that  .lie  was  only  a  Lieut. 
'  Send  an  oflicer  on  board,  (I  replied)  the  officers  and 
men  are  your  prisoners.'    He  ordered  me  on  hoard 


ifrl! 


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348 


"HISTOUY   OF  THE  WAR. 


the  ship.  On  my  arrival  on  board  the  ship,  I  was 
met  by  the  Capt.  near  the  niaiirmnst,  saying,  this  is 
his  majesty's  ship  Erebns,  Bartholomew,  ronimander. 
•This  is  myii\Vord,  (1  replied)  that  is  the  U.  Stales 
gun  vessel  No.  I(j8,  which  I  surrender  as  your  prize, 
myselt,  officers  and  crew  as  your  prisoners.'  He 
said  a^ain,  '  how  dare  you  refuse  to  come  on  board 
his  majesty's  ship  when  ordered  ?'  *  I  know  not  nor 
do  I  acknowledge  any  right  you  have  to  order  me 
on  board,  or  to  inlerrnpt  me  sstiting  along  the  Amer- 
ican coast.  I  shall,  however,  make  a  fair  representa- 
tion of  this  most  flagrant  abuse  of  power  on  your  part 
to  my  government.  I  very  much  regret  that  t  have 
not  the  command  of  u  vessel  of  20  guns,  which  would 
save  the  trouble  of  demanding  satisfaction  at  a  future 
day,  by  taking  it  on  thes^^ot.'  He  said,  *I  only  wish 
to  warn  you  ofl^'the  coast;  will  you  see  my  orders 
from  the  Admiral  to  warn  all  vessels  from  the  coast  i!* 
*  As  I  am  governed  by  the  orders  of  my  own  gov- 
ernment, 1  can  have  nothing  to  do  with  those  of  Ad- 
miral Cockburn.*  He  said  *  I  tUoiit^ht  you  migtit  be 
from  the  Cape  ot  Good  liope.'  ^  Yoti  could  n'bt  be- 
lieve any  such  thing,  when  you  see  she  has  no  quar- 
ter, has  not  the  ap))earaiice  of  having  iieen  at  sea  any 
length  of  time ;  her  boats  not  stowed  as  if  to  remain 
long  at  sea;  nor  could  you  suppose  that  were  I  from 
a  long  cruize,  I  should  run  past  the  portof  Havannali, 
thereby  exposing  my  vessel  to  any  British  ciuizer 
that  might  happen  to  be  on  the  coast.'  He  then  said 
'  upon  my  honour,  1  believe  it  was  an  accident,  but 
I  am  sure  the  last  shot  would  not  have  been  ftred  if 
you  had  not  been  trying  to  run  away  from  me.'  *  You 
could  believe  no  such  thing;  you  saw  both  gibs  to 
"windward,  and  the  helm  a-lee.^  He  said,  *  upon  my 
honor,  I  don't  no  whether  it  went  off  liy  accident  or 
was  fired,  no  orders  were  given  to  tire  '  After  walk- 
ing the  .]uarter-deck  for  a  few  minutes,  returning, 
he  said,  ^  will  you  see  my  orders  to  warn  all  vessels 
oft' the  coast.'  *  As  1  have  nothing  to  do  with  them 
1  can  have  no  wish  to  see  them.'  *  If  you  think  this 
will  cuufte  any  dispute  between  the  two  governments;^ 


I       '.: 


HISTORY  OP  THE  WAR. 


849 


(said  he)  I  will  return  with  you  to  the  Admiral  and 
have  it  settled.'  I  re^^lied,  *  I  do  nut  feel  inyHelf 
authorised  in  my  present  sitnabioi)  to  receive  any  sat* 
isfactiun  you  may  havf  in  your  power  to  offer  for  such, 
a  wilful  insult  oifered  to  the  U.  Stales.*  I  was  then 
ordered  on  board,  and  to  proceed  with  the  des- 
patches. JOHN  HURLBURD. 

Capt.  Stewart  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 
U.  8.  ft'is^ate  Ciinstitutioii,  May,  — 18 15. 

SIR— On  the  20th  of  February  last,  the  Island  of 
Madeira  bearing^  about  W.  S.  W.  distant  60  leagues, 
we  fell  in  with  his  Britannic  Majesty's  two  ships  of 
war,  the  Cyane  and  Levant,  and  brought  them  to  ac- 
tion about  0  o'clock  in  the  evenmg,  both  of  which 
after  a  spirited  engageuiCnt  of  40  minutes,  surrender- 
ed to  the  ship  under  my  command. 

Considering  the  advantages  derived  by  the  enemy,  > 
from  a  divided  and  more  active  force,  as  also  Iheir 
superiority  in  the  weight  and  number  of  guns,  I  deem 
the  speedy  and  decisive  result  of  this  action  the  strong- 
est assurance  which  can  be  given  to  the  governmentr 
that  all  did  their  duty,  and  gallantly  supported  the 
reputation  of  American  seamen. 

Inclosed  is  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded  ;  also 
a  statement  of  the  actual  force  of  the  enemy,  and  the 
number  killed  and  wounded  on  board  their  ships  as 
near  as  could  be  ascertained. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

CHARLES  Sl'EWART. 

FORCE  AND  LOSS  OP  THIS  CONSTITUTION. 

32  tweuty-four  pounders. — 20  thirty-two  pounders.-— 
52  guns.  Officers,  men  and  boys  406.  Killed  3 — 
wounded  12. 

FORCE  AND  LOSS  OF  THE  CYANE.  A>i^ 

22  thirty-two  pounders — 10  eighteen  do. — 2  twelve 
do. — 2  brass  swivels— officers,  men  and  boys  180. 
Killed  12— wounded  23. 

POllCE  AND  Loss  OP  THE  LEVANT. 

18  thirty-two  |>ounders — 2  nine  do. — 1  twelve  do^ 
officers,  men  and  buys  156.    Killed  23— wounded  16. 


*i'hl: 


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T  •  t        • 

V 


APPENDIX. 


!  !t:. 


OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE, 

iUtt<ATnr]!2   TO   TH^   TUKATY    OF   PEA^E. 

Washinotot^,  Oct,  10, 1814. 
To  ike  Sknal9  and  tio%m  ^'  Hepr^s^tativts  of 
*)  the  Cnited  State f. 

I  lay  before  congress  comipunications  just  received 
iroQi  the  Plenipotentiaries  of  the  U.  S.  charged  with 
negociating  peace  with  Great  Britain  ;  shewing  the 
conditions  wh  which  alone  tknX  goveroment  is  willing 
to  put  ao  ead  to  the  war. 

V  h  n,  JAMAIS  MADISON. 

Copy  ^a  htter/rom  Messrs,  Adams,   Bayardt  Clay^ 
and  Hmseiit  tQ  #r.  Monroe,  lUeeretary  of  State* 
:      A      OWfcNT,  August  l-Wh,  1814. 

SIR-^We  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  the 
Britiph  commissioners,  lord  Gambier,  Henry  Goul- 
burn,  Esq.  and  William  Adams,  £sq.  arrived  in  this 
city  on  Saturday  evening,  the  sixth  inst.  The  day  af- 
ter their  arrival,  Mr.  Baker,  their  Secretary,  called 
upon  us  to  give  us  notice  of  the  fact,  and  to  propose  a 
meeting,  at  a  certain  hoqr,  on  the  ensuing  day.  The 
place  having  been  agreed  upon,  we  accordingly  met, 
at  1  o'clock,  on  Monday,  the  e^hth  inst. 

We  enclose,  herewitfat  a  copy  of  the  full  powers 
exhibited  by  the  British  commissioners,  at  that  con<- 
ference ;  which  was  opened  on  their  part  by  an  ex- 
pression of  the  sincere  and  earnest  desire  of  their 
governmest,  that  the  negociation  might  result  in  a 
solid  peace,  honorable  to  both  parties.  They,  at  the 
same  lime  declared,  that  no  events  which  had  ficcur- 
red  since  the  fii'st  proposal  for  this  uegociatioo,  had 
altered  the  pacific  dispoe ition  of  their  government,  or 
varied  its  views  as  tothetei'msttpon  which  it  was  wilU 
iog  Ifi  €MKiiKlfl  Ihe  pe»6e> 


AFVBMDIX. 


3^1 


We  answet«d,  that  sve  h^alrd'  these  ileiclamtion!) 
with  great  satisfaction,  and  that  our  government  had 
acceded  to  the  proposal  of  negociation,  with  the  most 
sincere  desire  to  put  an  end  to  the  difi'erences  which 
divided  the  two  countries,  and  to  lay  upon  just  and 
liberal  gi^odndsthe  foundation  of  a  peace  which,  secure 
ing  the  rights  and  interests  of  both  nations,  should 
unite  theia  i>y  lasting  bonds  of  amity. 

The  Brititm  commissioners  tiieu  stated  the  follow" 
iag  subjects,  as  those  upon  which  it  appeared  to  theM 
that  the  discussions  would  be  likely  to  turn,  and  on 
whfch  they  wei^e  instructed. 

I.  The  forcible seiiiure  of  marinem  bn  board  of  mer^ 
chant  vessels,  and  in  connection  with  it,  the  claim  of 
his  Britannic  Majesty  to  tbc  all^lianoe  of  all  theaative 
subjects  of  G.  Britain. 

We  undertitood  them  to  intimatfen  that  tlie  British 
government  did  not  propose  this  point  as  one  whidi 
they  were  particularly  desiroira  of  discussing ;  but 
that,  OS  it  had.  occupied  so  prominent  a  place  in  the 
disputes  between  the  two  countries,  it  necessarily  al-* 
tracked  notice  and  was  considered  as  a  sabjetit  ithich 
would  come  tinder  discussion. 

2.  The  Indian  alUes  of  G.  Britain  to  he  included  in 
the  pacification,  ami  a  definite  boundary  to  be  settled 
for  tlieir  territory. 

The  British  commissionens  stated,  (hat  an  arrange-^ 
llient  upon  this  point  was  a  sine  qma  noti  ;  that  ihey 
were  not  authorized  to  conclude  a  treaty  of  peaco 
which  did  not  embrace  the  Indians,  as  allies  of  his 
Britannic  Majesty  ;  and  that  the  eslablishment  of  a 
definite  boundary  of  the  Indian  territory  ^as  necessa- 
ry to  secure  a  permanent  peace,  not  only  with  the  In<r 
dians,  but  also  between  the  U.  8tates  and  G.Britain. 

3.  A  revision  of  the  boundary  line  between  the  U.^. 
and  thenjacent  British  colonies. 

With  respect  to  this  point,  they  expressly  disdaim 
any  intention,  on  the  part  of  their  government,  to  ac- 
quire an  increase  of  territory,  and  represented  the  pro- 
posed revision  as  intended  merely  ror  \\m  piirpoKe  <<f 
])revei^ng  uncertainty  and  dispute^  • , 


\V 

!    > 


i: 

i  1  • 

■  j 

!     ■ 

■  I! 

;< 

■  i 

i 
1 

t .  ^  ' 

1 

■ii' 

'  I 

! 


r'ti 


T  lis  ^ 
'  'I'll! ' 


352 


APPENDIX. 


! 


I     i(:  ! 


I    •!'■ 


r-'v  AAer  having'  stated  thfse  three  points  as  sulvjectH  of 
discumion,  the  British  commissioners  added,  that  he. 
fore  they  dirtstred  any  answer  from  us,  they  teltit  in> 
cumbent  npoii  them  to  declare,  that  the  Briti»h^overn- 
ment  did  not  deny  the  right  oC  the  Americaits  to  the 
tisheries  generally,  or  in  the  open  seas  ;  but  that  the 
privileges,  t'ornierly  granted  by  treaty  to  the  U> 
S.  oftishing  withni  the  limits  of  the  British  jurisdiction, 
and  of  landing  and  drying  Ash  on  the  shores  of  the 
British  territories,  would  not  be  i^enenved  without  an 
equivalent.  .ii  ^sU  h;  :t 

The  extent  of  what  was  considered  by  thenii'as  wa> 
ters  peculiarly  British,  was  not  stated.  From  the 
manner  in  which  Uiey  brought  this  subject  into  view, 
tliey  seemed  to  wish  us  to  understand  Uiat  they  were 
nut  anxious  that  it  should  be  discussed,  and  that 
they  only  intended  to  give  us  notice  that  these  privi- 
leges  had  ceased  to  exist,  and  would  not  be  again 
granted  witiiout  an  equivalent,  nor  unless  we  thought 
proper  to  provide  expressly  in  the  treaty  of  peace  for 
their  renewal. 

.  The  British  ccoiissioners  having  stated,  that  tliese 
were  all  the  subjects  winch  they  intended  to  bring  for> 
ward  or  to  suggest, requested  to  be  informed,  whether 
we  were  instructed  to  enter  into  neguuiation  on  these 
several  points,  aad  whether  there  was  any  aniougst 
these  which  we  thought  it  unnecessary  to  bring  into 
the  negociation  ?  aud  they  desired  us  tostate«oii  our 
part,  such  other  subjects  as  we  might  intend  to  propose 
for  discussion  in  the  course  of  the  negociatiou.  The 
meeting  was  then  ajouriied  to  the  next  day,  in  order 
toaffoixl  us  the  opportunity  of  consultation  among; 
ourselves,  before  we  gave  an  answer. 

In  the  course  of  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  we 
received  your  letters  of  the  2dth  and  27th  of  Jnne. 

There  could  be  no  hesitation,  on  our  part,  in  in- 
forming the  British  comnnssioners,  that  we  were  not 
instructed  on  the  subjects  of  Indian  pacitication  or 
boandary,  and  offiisheries.  ^'or  did  it  seem  proba- 
ble, although  neither  of  these  points  had  been  stated 
with  suHicient  precision  in  that  first  verbal  oouference, 


s  as  subjectH  0/ 
dded,  thai  be- 
they  ielt  it  in. 
Jnlish  g-overn- 
lericaiis  to  the 
;  but  that  the 
y  to  the  U. 
h  jurisdiction, 
Khnres  of  the 
^d  without  an 

ylhemas  wa> 
1.  From  the 
set  into  view, 
lat  they  were 
ed,  and  that 
it  these  jtrivi- 
not  be  again 
IS  we  thought 

of  peace  lor 
fii-- 
d,  that  tliese 

to  bring  for* 
iied,  whether 
tion  on  these 
inv  amongst 
bring  into 
Ktate«ou  our 
id  to  propose 
atiou.  Tlie 
iiy,  in  order 
tion  among; 

ne  day,  we 
of  June. 

part,  in  in- 
I'e  were  not 
:itication  or 
'■eiu  proba- 
been  stated 
oouference, 


APPENDIX. 


353 


that  they  could  be  admitted  in  any  shape. — We  did 
hot  wisn,  however,  to  prejudge  the  result,  or  by  any 
hasty  proceeding  abruptly  to  break  oft'  the  negocia- 
tion.  It  was  not  impossible  that,  on  the  subject  ot* 
the  Indians,  the  British  government  had  received  er- 
/oneous  impressions  from  the  Indian  traders  in  Can- 
ada, which  our  representations  might  remove:  and 
it  appeared,  at  all  events,  important,  to  ascertain  dis- 
tinctly the  precise  intentions  of  G.  Britain  on  both 
points.  We,  therefore,  thought  it  advisable  to  invite 
the  British  commissioners  to  a  general  conversation  on 
all  the  points  ;  stating  to  them,  at  the  i^ametime,  our 
want  of  instructions  on  two  of  them,  am^  holdnigout 
no  expectation  of  the  probability  of  ou:  agreeing  to 
any  article  respecting  them. 

At  our  meeting  on  the  ensuing  day  we  informed 
the  British  commissioners,  that  upon  the  first  and 
third  points  proposed  by  them  we  were  provided 
with  instructions,  and  we  presented  as  further  subjects 
considered  by  our  government  as  suitable  for  dis- 
cussion : 

1st.  A  definition  of  blockade  ;  and  as  far  as  might 
be  mutually  agreed,  of  other  neutral  and  belligerent 
rights. 

2d.  Claims  of  indemnity  in  certain  cases  of  capture 
and  seizure. 

We  then  stated  that  the  two  subjects,  1st  of  Indian 
pacification,  and  boundary,  and  2d  of  fisheries,  were 
not  embraced  by  our  instructions. 

We  observed,  that  as  these  points  had  not  been 
heretofore  the  grounds  of  any  controversy  between 
he  government  of  G.  Britain  and  that  of  the  (J.  S. 
and  had  not  been  alluded  to  by  lord  Castlereagh,  in 
hisletter  proposing  the  negociation,  it  could  not  be 
expected  that  they  should  have  been  anticipated  and 
made  the  subject  of  int'tructions  by  our  government, 
that  it  was  natural  to  be  supjtosed,  that  our  instruc- 
tions were  confined  to  those  subjects  upon  which 
differences  between  the  two  countries  were  known  to 
exist ;  and  that  the  proposition  to  define,  in  a  treaty 
4i 


• 

, 

i 

1     X 

1  '1 

1' 

'■  i 

'I'  i 

(  !      .     I    - 

1.  V    ■ 


'     !■■? 


*' «)  i 


l?l''!:'W'i 


954 


IIFWWDTX. 


m 


m  I 


j'^' 


between  ihe  IT.  State<»  und  G.  Brilain^the  boundary  of 
the  Indian  po88es«>K>u^  within  our  It/'itories,  wa»-Hfw 
and  without  exantple.  Ko  5<vch  pv\)v;,Kion  had  bteo 
inserted  m  the  tieiUy  4)f  ptitce  in  j[78d,  nor  in  any 
other  treaty  betwef  p.  the  two  countries.  N  o  such 
provision  had  to  our  knowledge,  ever  been  inserted  in 
any  treaty  made  by  G.  Britain  or  any  £uro()ean  |>ow- 
er  in  relation  to  the  same  ik^ir.ption  of  people,  ex< 
isting  snider  like  ciroumHtanv  cs.  We  would  say, 
however,  that  it  \,vouiu  nc  he  doubted,  that  peace 
with  the  Indiaiis  wouifj  certainly  t'cllow  a  peace  with 
G  Britain  :  that  we  had  information  that  commis* 
ftioners  had  already  been  appointed  to  treat  with  them; 
that  a  treaty  to  that  effect  might  perhaps,  have  been 
already  concluded  :  and  that  the  U.  S.  having  no  in* 
terest,  nor  any  motive  to  continue  a  separate  war 
agamst  the  Indians,  there  could  never  be  a  moment 
When  our  government  would  not  be  disposed  to 
make  peace  with  them. 

We  then  expre^Med  our  wish  to  receive  from  the 
British  commissioaera  a  statement  of  the  views  ard 
objects  of  G.  Britain  upon  all  the  points,  and  our  wil- 
lingness to  discuHii  them  all,  in  order  that,  even  if  no 
arrangement  should  be  agreed  on,  upon  the  points 
not  included  in  our  instructions,  the  government  of 
the  LT.  States  might  be  possessed  of  the  entire  and 
precise  intentions  of  that  of  G.  Britain,  respecting; 
these  pointy  and  that  the  British  government  might 
be  fully  informed  of  the  objections,  on  the  part  of  the 
U.  States,  to  any  such  arrangement 

In  answer  to  our  remark  that  these  points  had  not 
been  alluded  to  by  lord  Castlereagh,  in  his  letter  pro- 
posing the  negociation,  it  was  said,  that  it  could  not 
be  expected,  that  in  a  letter  merely  intended  to  invite 
a  negociation,  he  should  enumerate  the  topics  ofdis> 
cussion,  or  state  the  pretensions  of  his  govenimenl ; 
since  these  would  depend  upon  ulterior  events,  and 
might  arise  oui  of  a  subsequent  state  of  things. 

In  reply  to  our  observation,  that  the  proposed  stip< 
ulation  of  an  Indian  boundary  was  without  example 
in  the  practice  of  European  luttionsy  it  was  asserledf 


ATPElSHlXs 


856 


that  the  Indians  must  in  some  sort  be  considered  as 
an  independent  people,  since  treaties  were  made  with 
them,  both  by  G.  Britain  and  by  the  U.  States  :  upon 
which  we  pointed  out  the  obvious  and  important  dif<» 
ferences  between  the  treaties  we  niitrjit  make  with 
Indians,  living  in  our  territory,  and  such  a  treaty  as 
was  pro{K)sed  to  be  made,  respecting  them,  with  a 
foreign  power,  who  had  solemnly  acknowledged  the 
territory  on  which  they  resided  to  be  pai't  of  the  U. 
Sates. 

We  were  then  asked  by  the  British  commissionei^ 
whether,  in  case  they  should  enter  further  upon  the 
discussion  of  the  several  points  which  had  been  stated, 
we  could  expect  that  it   would  terminate   by   some 

Provisional  arrangement  on  the  points  on  which  we 
ad  no  instructions,  particularly  on  that  respecting 
the  Indians,  which  arrangement  would  be  subject  to 
the  ratification  of  our  government  ? 

We  answered,  that  before  the  subjects  were  dis- 
tinctly understood,  and  the  objects  in  view  more  pre- 
cisely disclosed,  we  could  not  decide  whether  it  would 
be  possible  to  form  any  satisfactory  article  ou  die 
subject ;  nor  pledge  ourselves  as  to  the  exercise  of  a 
discretion  under  our  powers,  even  with  respect  to  a 
provisional  agreenient.  We  added,  that  as  we  should 
deeply  deplore  a  rupture  of  the  negociation  on  any 
point,  it  was  our  anxious  desire  to  employ  all  possible 
means  to  avert  an  event  so  serious  in  its  consequences; 
and  thaft  we  had  not  been  without  ho|>es  that  a  discus- 
sion might  correct  the  eftect  of  any  erroneous  infor- 
mation which  the  British  government  might  have  re- 
ceived on  the  subject  which  they  had  proposed  as  a 
preliminary  basis. 

We  took  this  opportunity  to  remark,  that  no  na- 
tion observed  a  |)olicy  more  liberal  aid  humane  to* 
wards  the  ludians  than  that  pursued41)y  the  U.  States ; 
4hat  our  object  hod  been,  by  all  practicable  means,  to 
intioduoe  civdizalion  amongst  them ;  thattlieir  posses- 
sions were  secured  to  them  by  well  defined  bounda- 
ries, that  their  persons,  lands  and  other  property  were 
now  more  effectuaily  protected  against  violence  or 


Jil  i 


'•1^ 


ii 


'! 


I 


% 


I   , 


V    , 


!    i! 


m^'-' 

w. 

'*" 

,\ 

Iji' 


. 


i; 


!    ! 


3^6 


APPENDIX. 


frauds  from  any  quarter,  than  they  had  been  under 
any  former  government ;  that  even  our  citizens  were 
not  allowed  to  purchase  their  lands ;  that  when  they 
gii\e  up  their  title  to  any  portion  of  their  country  to 
the  IT.  States,  it  was  bv  voluntary  treaty  with  our 
guveroment,  who  gave  them  a  satisfactory  equivalent; 
and  that  through  these  means  the  U.  States  had  suc- 
ceeded in  preserving,  since  the  treaty  of  Greenville  of 
1795,  an  unmterrupted  peace  of  sixteen  years,  with 
all  the  Indian  tribes  ;  a  period  of  tranquility  much 
longer  than  they  were  known  to  have  enjoyed  here- 
tofore. 

It  was  then  expressly  stated  on  oar  part,  that  the 
proposition  resfiectmg  the  Indians,  was  not  distinctly 
understood.  We  asked  whether  the  pacification,  and 
the  settlement  of  a  boundary  for  them  were  both  made 
a  sine  qua  non.  Which  was  answered  in  the  affirm- 
ative. The  question  watt  then  asked  the  British  com- 
missioners, whether  the  proposed  Indian  boundary 
was  intended  '(o  preclude  the  U.  Slates  from  the  right 
of  purchasing  by  treaty  from  the  Indians,  without  the 
consent  of  G.  EVitain,  lands  la^'ing  bt'-yond  that  boun- 
dary ?  And  as  a  restriction  upon  the  Indians  from  sel- 
ling by  amicable  treaties  lands  to  the  U.  States  as 
had  been  hitherto  practised  ? 

To  this  question,-  it  ^'as  first  answered  by  one  of 
the  commissioners,  that  the  Indians  would  not  be  re- 
stricted from  selling  their  lands,  but  that  the  U.  States 
"would  be  restricted  from  purchasing  them  ;  and  on 
reflection  another  of  the  commissioners  stated,  that  it 
was  intended  that  the  Indian  territory  should  be  a 
barrier  between  the  British  dominions  and  those  of 
the  U.  States  that  both  G.  Britain,  and  the  U.  States 
should  be  restricted  from  purchasing  their  landt^; 
but  the  Indians  might  sell  them  to  a-  third  party. 

The  proposition  respecting  Indian  boundary  thus 
explained,  and  connected  with  the  right  of  sovereign- 
ty ascribed  to  the  Indians  over  the  country/,  amounted 
to  nothing  less  than  a  demand  of  the  absolute  cession 
of  the  rights  both  of  sovereigntv  and  of  soil.  We 
cannot  abstain  from  remarking  to  you,  that  the  sub- 


APPENDIX. 


969 


ject  (of Indian  boundary)  was  indistinctly  statfd 
yi/Uen  first  proposed,  ami  that  the  explanations  \^ere 
at  first  obscure  and  alv^ ays  given  with  reluctance. 
Audil  was  declared  from  the  first  moment,  to  be  & 
sine  qua  non,  rendering  any  discussion  unprofitable 
until  it  was  admitted  as  a  basis.  Knowing  that  we 
bad  no  power  to  cede  to  the  Indians  any  pari  of  our 
territory,  we  thought  it  unnecessary  to  ask,  what  pro- 
bably would  not  have  been  answered  till  the  principle 
was  admitted,  where  the  line  on  remark  nlion  of  the  In- 
dian country  was  proposed  \v  be  established. 

The  British  commissioners,  after  having  repeated 
that  their  instructiuns  on  the  subjecl  of  the  Indians 
were  peremptory,  stated  that  unless  we  cuutU  give 
some  assurance," that  our  powers  would  allow  us  to 
make  at  least  a  provisional  arrangement  on  the  sub* 
ject,  any  further  discussion  would  be  fruitless,  and 
that  they  must  consult  their  own  government  on  this 
state  of  things.  They  proposed  accordingly  a  sus- 
pension of  the  conferences,  until  they  should  have  re- 
ceived an  answer,  it  being  understood  that  each  party 
might  call  a  meeting  whenever  they  had  any  proposi- 
tion to  submit.  They  despatched  a  special  messen- 
ger the  same  evening,  and  we  are  now  waiting  tor  the 
result. 

Before  the  proposed  adjournment  took  place,  it 
vras  agreed  that  there  stiould  be  a  protocol  of  the  con- 
ferences ;  that  a  statement  should  for  that  purpose  be 
drawn  up  by  each  party,  and  that  we  should  meet  the 
next  day  to  compare  the  statements.  We  according- 
ly met  again  on  Wednesday  the  10th  inst.  and  ulti- 
mately agreed  upon  what  should  constitute  the  proto- 
col of  the  conferences.  A  copy  of  this  instrument, 
we  have  the  honor  to  transmit  with  this  despatch. 

They  objected  to  the  insertion  of  the  an- 
swer which  they  had  given  to  our  question  respecting 
the  effect  of  ihe  proposed  Indian  boundary  ;  but  they 
agreed  to  an  alteration  of  their  original  proposition 
on  that  subject,  which  renders  it  much  more  explicit 
than  as  stated,  either  m  the  first  conference  or  in  their 
proposed  draught  of  the  protocol.     They  also  object- 


•  i 


illJ 


im'l 


'p 


it 


368 


An<r.vvi\, 


■    '■ 
5 

1 

i 

1  '                 ' 

■ 

f 

"I 

1 

cd  to  the  inif  rtion  of  the  lact,  that  they  'had  proposed 
to  ud|uurii  the  confereiiceH,  until  they  cuuid  uLlnin  dir. 
ther  iiislructioiiM  frum   their  gfoveriiiiient.     The  re* 
turn  of  their  metiHenger  may,  perhaps,  diNclotte  the 
motive  ot  I  heir  reluctance  in  I  hat  reftptsct. 
We  have  the  honor  to  be,  Hce. 
JOHN  a  ADAMS.  |  H.  CLAY, 
J.  A.  BA  YAHD,     |  JONA.  KUSSELL. 

PROTOCOL  OP  CONFERENCE. 

Avgust  8,  1814. 

The  British  coinmissioners  requested  int'orniation 
whether  the  American  commisNioiiers  were  instructed 
to  enter  into  negociation  on  the  precedint^  pouits  ? 
But  before  they  desired  any  answer,  they  felt  it  right 
to  communicate  the  intentions  of  their  ^foverliment  ai 
to  the  North  American  fisheries,  viz.  That  the  Bri- 
tish government  did  not  intend  to  grant  to  the  United 
States,  gratuitously,  the  privileges  formerly  granted 
by  treaty  to  them,  of  fishing  within  the  limits  of  the 
British  sovereignty,  and  of  using  the  shores  of  the  Bri- 
tish territories  fur  purposes  connected  with  the  fish- 
eries. 

Amffust  9 — ^l^he  meeting  being  adjourned  to  the  9tb 
of  August  the  cuminissioners  met  again  on  that  day. 

The  American  commissioners  at  this  meeting  stat- 
ed, that  upon  the  first  and  third  points  proposed  bj 
the  British  commisioners,  they  were  provided  with 
instruciious  from  their  government,  and  that  the  se- 
cond and  fourth  of  these  points  were  not  provided  for 
in  their  instructioiR.  That  in  relation  to  an  Indian 
pacification,  they  knew  that  Uie  governoient  of  the 
U.  States  had  appointed  commissioners  to  treat  of 

Keace  with  the  Iiidians,  and  that  it  was   not  improbar 
le  that  peace  had  been  made  v^  itb  them. 
The  American  commissioners  presented  as  further 
subjects  considered  by  the  gov^nment  of  the  United 
States  as  suitable  for  discussion. 

1.  A  definition  of  blockade,  and  as  far  as  may  be 
agreed,  of  other  neutral  and  belli gereut  rights. 


is  J 


APVENDIX. 


859 


3.  Certnin  claims  ol'  indemnity  to  iniiividimis  for 
cn|)lui eN  and  H«i^urctt  preceding  und  subsequent  to 
tlu-  war. 

3.  Tliey  further  stated  that  there  were  various  oth*> 
er  jionilH  lo  whiciitlicir  intttructiuns  extended,  which 
nuff\ii  with  imipnety  he  ubjeutM  of  diHcuNSion,  either 
in  the  negticiutiun  ot  the  peace,  or  in  that  of  a  treaty 
of  conmierce,  which  in  the  case  of  a  propitioiiN  ler« 
mniation  of  the  present  cunferences,  they  wen-  hke- 
wiKe  authorised  to  conclude.  Thul  for  the  pur|K>He  of 
factlitating  the  iin<t  and  mo»t  essential  object  ot  peace, 
they  had  discaisted  every  subject  which  was  not  con- 
sidered as  pecuharly  connected  with  tlial,  and  pre- 
sented only  those  points  w  htch  appeared  to  be  mime- 
diately  relevant  to  this  negociution. 

The  American  commissioners  expressed  their  wish 
to  receive  from  the  British  coinniissioners  a  statement 
of  the  views  and  objects  of  Great-Britain,  upon  all 
Ihepoints,  and  their  wdlingmss  to  discuss  them  all. 

They,  the  American  commissioners  were  asked, 
whether,  if  those  of  Great- Britain  should  enter  further 
upon  this  discussion,  particularly  respecting  the  In- 
dian boundary,  the  American  commissioners  could 
expect  that  it  would  ternunate  by  some  provisional 
arrangement,  which  they  could  conclude,  subject  to 
the  ratification  of  their  government? 

They  answered,  that  as  any  arrangement  to  which 
they  could  agree  upon  the  subject  must  be  without 
S()ecific  authority  from  their  goveniinent,  it  was  not 
possible  for  them,  previous  to  discussion,  to  decide 
whether  any  article  on  the  subject  cuuld  be  formed 
which  wouid  be  mutually  satisfactory,  and  to  which 
iliey  should  think  themselves,  under  their  discretion- 
ary powers,  justified  in  acceding. 

Messrs.  Adams,  Bayard,  Clay,  Russell,  and  Galla- 
iin,  to  Mr  Monroe,  SecrHmy  of  iSlatc. 

Ghj-nt,  August  19, 1814. 
SIR— «Mr.  Baker,  secretary  to  the  British  mi>sion, 
called  upon  us  to-day,  at  I  o'clock,  and  invited  us  to 
a  coaferuice  to  t>e  held  at  three.    This  was  agreed  tn^ 


f 

7]  i 


,J 


•ir 


,•■       J'*#^'t' 


360 


APPENDIX. 


!i 


.3  ; ! 


and  the  British  coinniimionerM  opened  it.  by  saying  that 
they  had  received  their  further  instructions  this  mtiin- 
in&f,  Hiid  had  not  lont  >i  inoiiient  in  requcHling  a  meet- 
ing lor  the(Hirpo»e  of  communicating  the  decision  of 
their  government.  It  is  proper  to  notice  that  lord 
Can  lereMgh  had  arrived  lust  night  in  thiscitv,  whence, 
it  IS  said,  he  will  depart  to-morrow  on  his  way  to 
BruNseJN  and  Vienna. 

The  British  commissioners  stated  that  their  gov- 
ernment had  felt  some  surprise,  that  we  were  not  in- 
structed respecting  the  Indians,  as  it  could  not  have 
been  expected  that  they  would  leave  their  allies,  in 
their  comparatively  weak  situation,  exposed  to  our 
resentment.  Great-Britain  might  justlv  have  suppos- 
ed that  the  American  government  would  have  fur- 
nished us  with  instructions  authorising  us  to  agree 
to  a  poH.tive  article  on  the  subject ;  but,  the  least  she 
could  demand  was  that  we  should  sign  a  provisional 
article  admitting  the  principle,  subject  to  the  ratifi- 
cation of  our  government ;  so  that,  if  it  should  be 
ratified,  the  treaty  should  take  efiect ;  and,  if  not,  that 
it  should  be  null  and  void ;  on  our  assent  or  refusal 
to  admit  such  an  article  would  depend  the  continu- 
ance or  suspeiisiou  of  the  negociation. 

As  we  had  represented  that  the  proposition  made 
by  them,  on  that  subject,  was  not  sufficiently  expli- 
cit, their  government  had  directed  them  to  give  us 
every  necessary  explanation,  and  to  state  distinctly 
the  basis  which  must  be  considered  as  an  indispensa- 
ble preliminary. 

It  was  a  sine  qua  non  that  the  Indians  should  be 
included  in,  the  pacification,  and,  as  incident  thereto, 
that  the  boundaries  of  their  territory  should  be  per- 
manently established.  Peace  with  the  Indians  was 
a  subject  so  simple,  as  to  require  no  comment.  With 
respect  to  the  boundaries  which  was  to  divide  their 
territory  from  that  of  the  United  Slates,  the  object  of 
the  British  government  was,  that  the  Indians  should 
remain  as  a  permanent  barrier  between  our  western 
settlements,  and  the  adjacent  British  provinces,  to 
jprevent  them  from  being  contermiuous  to  each  other : 


'1 


APPENPJX. 


801 


and  that  neither  the  United  Slates,  nov  Great-Britain, 
ihuuld  ever  hereafter  have  the  right  to  purchase,  or 
acquire  any  part  of  the  territory  IhuH  rticbguizod,  as 
bc'loiigiiiff  to  the  Indians.  With  regard  to  the  extent 
of  the  1 1  luiau  territory,  and  the  boundary  line,  the 
British  government  would  propose  the  lines  of  the 
Creenville  treaty,  as  a  proper  boitis,  subject,  however, 
to  discussion  and  modincations. 

Wu  stated  that  the  Indian  territory,  according  to 
these  lines,  would  cumprehcnd  a  great  number  of 
American  citizens  ;  not  less,  prehups,  than  a  hundred 
thousand:  and  asked,  what  was  the  intention  of  the 
British  government  respecting  them,  and  under  whose 
government  they  would  fall  1'  It  was  tmswered  that 
those  settlements  would  be  taken  into  consideration, 
when  the  line  became  a  subject  of  discussion ;  but 
that  such  of  the  inhabitants,  as  would  ultimately  be 
included  within  the  Indian  territory,  must  make  their 
own  arrangements  and  provide  for  themselves. 

The  British  commissioners  here  said  that,  consid- 
ering the  importance  of  the  question  we  had  to  de- 
cide, (that  of  agreeing  to  a  provisional  article)  their 
government  had  thought  it  right,  that  we  should  also 
be  fully  informed  of  its  views,  with  respect  to  the  pro- 
posed revision  of  the  boundary  line,  between  the  do- 
minions of  G.  Britain  and  the  U.  States. 

Ist.  Experience  had  proved  thut  the  joint  posses- 
sion of  the  lakes,  and  a  right  common  to  both  nations, 
to  keep  up  a  naval  force  on  them,  necessarily  pro- 
duced collisions,  and  rendered  peace  insecure.  As 
G.  Britain  could  nut  be  supposed  to  expect  to  make 
conquest  in  that  quarter,  and  as  that  province  was  es- 
sentially weaker  than  the  U.  States,  and  exposed  to 
invasion,  it  was  necessary,  for  its  security,  that  G. 
Britain  should  require  that  the  U.  Statlif  should  here- 
after keep  no  armed  naval  force  on  the  Western  Lakes, 
from  Lake  Ontario  to  Lake  Superior,  both  inclu^ve; 
that  they  should  not  erect  any  fortified  or  military 
post  or  establishment  on  the  shores  of  those  lakes  ^ 
and  that  they  should  not  maintain  those  which  were 


.  i 


iV'.  I 


^  r. 


*      I 


',  7   ■  ■ 


:|;    K! 


S'^ 


:iii 


'>r..,i;i 


362 


APPEWDIX. 


i     1' 


I  I  w 


Ml 


li-t 


'B'M: 


"i 


'r 


i' 


i  if 


M 


already  existing.  Tliis  must,  Ihey  said,  be  considof-. 
ed  as  a  moderate  demand,  since  G.Britam,  if  she  had 
not  dis(  lainied  the  intention  of  nny  increase  of  terri- 
toiy,  might  with  propriety  have  asived  a  cession  of  the 
adjacent  American  shores.  The  commercial  naviga- 
tion and  intercourse  would  be  eit  on  the  same  foot- 
ing lis  heretofore.  It  was  exp.ressly  stated,  (in  an- 
syvtrto  a  question  we  asked,  j  thai  G.  Britain  was  to 
retain  the  right  of  having  an  armtd  navai  foi>.  on 
those  hkkes,  and  of  holding  military  posts  and  eslabiish- 
nients  on  their  shores. 

2  The  boundary  line  west  of  Lake  Superior,  and 
thence  Mti  e  Mississippi,  to  be  revised  and  the  treaty 
right  of  G.  Britain  to  the  navigation  of  the  Mississip- 
pi, to  be  continued.  Wi  en  asked,  whether  they  did 
not  mean  the  line  from  the  lake  of  the  Woods  to  the 
Mississippi,  the  British  commissioners  re|)cated  that 
they  meant  the  line  from  lake  Su|>erior,  to  that  river. 
.  3.  A  direct  communication  from  Halifax  and  the 
province  of  Ncw-Brunswick  to  Quebec,  to  be  secur- 
ed to  G.  Britiiin.  In  answer  to  unr  question,  in  what 
manner  this  was  to  be  etlected.  we  were  told  that  it 
must  be  tione  by  a  cession  to  G.  Britain  of  that  por- 
tion of  the  district  of  MiiUe  (in  the  slate  ot  Massa- 
chusetts) vihich  nitervenes  between  New-Brunswick 
and  Quebec,  ai.d  prevents  that  direct  cumniumca- 
tiun. 

Reverting  to  the  proposed  f)rovisional  article,  re- 
specting the  Indian  pacification  and  boundary,  the 
British  commissioners  concluded  by  statii  g  to  us, 
that  if  the  conterences  should  be  suspended  by  our  re- 
fusal to  agree  to  such  an  article,  without  having  oh- 
taihed  further  instructions  from  our  government,  G. 
Britain,  would  not  consider  herself  bound  to  abide  by 
the  terms  winch  she  now  oft'ereil,  but  wouid  be  at  lib- 
eity  to  vary  and  regulate  her  demands  according  to 
sulkequent  events,  and  in  such  manni  ras  the  state  of 
the  war,  at  the  time  of  renewing  the  negociation, 
might  warrant. 

We  asked  whether  the   statement  made,  respect- 
ing pro^JOaed  revision  of  tiic  boundary   hue  between 


APPENDIX. 


96a 


.'uiiuiiunica- 


ihe  U.  States  and  the  dominions  of  G.  Britain,  em- 
bruced  all  Uic  objects  she  meant  to  bring'  forward  for 
discnsskon,  and  what  were,  particularly,  her  views 
wilb  respect  to  Moose  Island*  and  such  other  islands 
in  the  bay  of  Passamaquaddy,  ns  had  been  in  our 
possession  till  the  present  war,  but  had  been  lately 
Captured  ?  We  were  answered,  that  those  Islands, 
beiongin^r  of  right  to  C  Britain,  (as  much  mo,  one  of 
the  commissioners  said,  as  Northamptonshire,)  they 
Mirouid  cerlandy  be  kept  by  her,  and  were  not  even 
supposed  to  be  an  obji  ct  of  discussion. 

From  the  forcible  manner  in  which  the  demand, 
Ihal  the  U.  Slates  should  keep  no  naval  armed  force 
on  the  lakes,  nor  any  military  post  on  thtir  shores, 
has  been  brought  forward,  we  were  induced  to  in- 
quire whether  this  condition  was  also  meant  as  ixsine 
qua  non  P  To  this  the  British  commissioners  declined 
giving  a  positive  answer.  They  said  that  they  had 
been  sufficiently  explicit  i  that  they  had  given  us  one 
sin:  qua  non^  and  when  we  had  disposed  of  that,  it 
would  be  time  enough  to  give  us  an  answer  as  to 
anolHer. 

We  then  stated  that,  considering  the  nature  and 
importance  of  the  communication  made  this  day,  we 
wished  the  British  commissioners  to  reduce  their 
proposals  to  writing,  before  we  gave  them  an  answer; 
this  they  agreed  to  and  promised  to  send  us  an  official 
note  without  delay. 

We  need  hardly  say  that  the  demands  of  G.  Britain 
will  receive  from  us  an  unanimous  and  decided  neg- 
ative We  do  not  deem  it  necessary  to  detain  the 
.Tohn  Adams  for  the  purpose  of  transmitting*  to  you 
the  official  notes  which  may  pass  on  the  subject  and 
close  the  negociation.  And  wo  have  felt  it  our  duty 
immediately  to  apprize  you,  by  this  hasty,  but  cor- 
rect sketch  of  our  last  conference,  that  i^^re.  i^  not  At 
present,  any  hope  of  peace.  •    V      /'    "  ,' 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 


■•-VI 


JOHN  a  ADAMS, 
J.  A.  BAYARD, 
A.  GALLATIN. 


H.  CLAY, 
JONA.  RUSSELL. 


ill 


;l   i 


i''  •  ! 


;  . 


il 


"« '. 


M 


V  'I  ' . 

M  ',11? 


364 


APPENDIX. 


Noteoftlie  British   Commissioners.     Received  ajhr 
the  above  letter  was  written. 

The  nndersigned,  Plenipotentiaries  of  his  Britannic 
Majesty,  do  themselves  the  honor  of  acquainting  the 
Plenipotentiaries  of  the  U.  States,  that  they  have 
communicated  to  their  court  the  result  of  the  confer- 
ence which  they  had  the  honor  of  holding  with  them 
tipon  the  0th  inst.  in  which  they  stated,  that  they 
were  unprovided  with  any  specific  instructions,  as  to 
comprehending  the  In'iian  nations  m  a  treaty  of 
peace  to  be  made  with  G.  Britain,  and  as  to  defining 
a  boundary  to  the  Indian  territory. 

The  undersigned  are  instructed  to  acquaint  thd 
Plenipotentiaries  of  the  U.  States,  that  his  Mnjesty's 
government  having  at  the  outset  of  the  negoCtation, 
with  a  view  to  thd  speedy  restoration  of  peace  re- 
duced as  far  as  possible  the  number  of  points  to  tie 
discussed,  and  having  professed  themselves  willing  l.o 
forego  on  sonic  important  topics  any  stipulation  to 
the  advantage  of  0.  Britain,  cannot  but  feel  sum6 
surprize  that  the  government  of  the  U.  States  should 
not  have  furnished  their  Plenipotentiaries  witu  '\n* 
structions  upon  those  points  vVhich  conld  hardly  fail  to 
come  under  discussion. 

Under  the  inability  of  the  Anierican  Plenipotentia- 
ries, to  conclude  any  article  upon  the  subject  of  In- 
dian pacification  and  Indian  boundary,  which  shall 
bind  the  government  of  the  U.  States,  his  Majesty's 
government  conceive  that  they  cannot  give  a  better 
proof  of  their  sincere  desire  for  the  restoration  of 
peace,  than  by  professing  their  willingness  to  accept 
a  provisioiial  article  upon  these  heads,  in  the  event  of 
the  American  Plenipotentiaries  considering  them* 
selves  authorized  to  accede  to  the  general  principles, 
upon  which  such  an  article  ought  to  be  founded. 
With  a  view  to  enable  the  American  Plenipotentia- 
ries to  decide,  how  far  the  conclusion  of  such  an  arti- 
cle is  withm  the  limit  of  thieir  general  discretion,  the 
undersigned  are  directed  to  state,  fully  and  distiii*ctly, 
the  basis  upon  which  alone  G.  Britain  aiees  any  pros- 


I      ;  f 


M^,' 


JBTPEVSIX 


305 


pect  of  advantage  in  the  continuance  of  the  negocia* 
tions  at  the  present  time. 

The  undersigned  have  already  had  the  honor  of  stat« 
iug  to  the  American  Plenipotentiaries,  that  in  con- 
sidering the  points  above  referred  to,  as  a  sine  qua  non 
of  any  treaty  of  peace,  the  view  of  the  British  govern- 
ment is  the  permanent  tranquiUty  and  security  of  the 
Indian  natioiis,  and  the  prevention  of  those  jealousiei 
and  irritations,  to  which  the  frequent  alteration  of  the 
Indian  limits  has  heretofore  given  rise. 

For  thts  purpose  it  is  indis|;)ensably  necessary,  th.it 
the  Indian  nations  who  have  been  during  the  war  m 
alliance  with  G.  Britaui  should,  at  the  termination  of 
the  war,  be  included  in  the  pacification. 

It  is  equally  necessary,  that  a  definite  boundary 
iihould  be  assigned  to  the  Indians,  and  that  the  con-* 
trading  parties  should  guarantee  the  integrity  of 
their  territory,  by  a  mutual  stipulation,  not  to  acquire 
by  piu'chase,  or  otherwise,  any  territory  within  the 
specified  limits.  The  British  government  are  willing 
to  take,  as  the  basis  of  an  article  on  this  subject,  those 
stipulations  of  the  treaty  ofGreenvdle,  subject  to  mo- 
difications, which  relate  to  a  boundary  line. 

As  the  undersigned  are  desiroin  of  stating  every 
point  in  connection  with  the  subjt  <  %  which  may  rea- 
sonably influence  the  decision  of  the  American  Fleni- 
potentiaries  in  the  exercise  of  their  discretion,  they 
avail  themselves  of  this  opportunity  to  repeat  what 
they  already  stated,  that  G.  iKitain  desires  the  revi- 
sion of  the  frontier  between  her  North  American  do- 
minions and  those  of  the  U.  States,  not  with  any  view 
to  an  acquisition  of  territory,  as  such,  but  for  the  pur^- 
pose  of  securing  her  possessions,  and  preventing  fu- 
ture disputes. 

The  British  government,  consider  the  lakes  from 
lake  Ontario  to  lake  Superior,  both  inclusive,  to  be 
the  natural  mililary  frontier  of  the  British  possessions 
in  North  America.  As  the  weaker  power  on  the 
North  American  continent,  the  least  capable  of  acting 
6fiensively,  and  the  most  exposed  to  sudden  invasions, 
G.Britain  considers  the  militnry   occupation  of  thesp 


iMil 


3.  I 


'm 

I 

1 

■  1 

it. 


il 


Al 


if  1' ' 

7  '■ 

i 

!'l  • 

1 

I 


i  \  ' 


5  .  I  r    ■'• 


^11 1 


) 


1 

:•  r 

V  .  ■ 

1  : 

i 

1 

\  : 

1 1 

W 

!  1i 
ill  ' 

966 


APPENDIX. 


Lake»  as  necessary  to  the  security  of  ^er  doiuinion;;- 
A  l)OUiidar^  line  equally  divifling  these  waiters,  wiib 
a  right  to  each  nation  to  arm,  both  U|>on  the  lakes 
and  upon  their  shores,  is  calculated  t<>  create  a  con- 
test for  naval  asce^idancy  ui  (>earc  as  well  usin  war. 
The  power  which  occupies  these  lakes  should,  as  a 
necessary  resuP,  have  the  military  occupation  of  both 
shores 

111  furtherance  of  this  object  the  Bi'itsh  sfovernment 
is  prepared  to  propose  a  boundary.  But  as  this 
miq^ht  be  misconstrucled  as  an  nitenlion  to  extend  their 
possessions  to  the  south  ward  ot  the  takes,  which  is  by 
no  means  the  object  they  have  in  view,  they  are  dis- 
posed to  leave  the  territorial  limits  undisturbed,  und 
as  incHlent  to  them,  tlu:  free  commercial  navi^ahon 
cf  the  lakes,  provided  that  the  American  govermnent 
will  stipulate  not  to  maintuin  or  construct,  any  furtiu 
cations  noon,  or  within  \  limited  distanceof  the  sh  .»i-e.s 
or  maiiv  ,*■•■  ->»  construct  any  armed  vessel  upon  the 
lakes  m  uesti.>.i,  or  lu  the  rivers  which  empty  them- 
selves ^ito  the  same. 

li  fcl.  -^  Ci.n  be  adjusted,  tliere  will  then  remain  for 
diseu«<-ion  the  arrangement  of  the  north  western  boun-r 
dary  MCtweei  lake  Superior  .in<l  the  Mississippi,  the 
free  navigation  of  that  river,  and  such  a  vacation  of 
the  line  ot' frontier  as  may  secure  a  direct  communi- 
cation betweei  Q,aebec  and  Halfax. 

The  undersigned  trust,  that  the  fud  statement  whirh 
they  have  made  of  the  views  and  objects  of  the  British 
government  m  requiring  the  pacitioation  of  the  Indian 
nations,  and  a  permanent  limit  to  their  territories,  will 
enable  the  American  Plenipotenliuries  to  co  elude  a 
prov'sional  articie  .  upon  the  basis  abovj  stated. 
SliOuUl  they  feel  it  necessary  to  refer  to  the  goveriir 
ment  of  the  U«  States  tor  lurther  instructions,  the  un- 
dersigned teel  it  incumbent  upon  thenv  to  acqn  liiit 
the  American  Plenipotentiaries,  that  the  governme  .t 
cannot  be  precluded  by  any  thing  tl.at  has  passed 
from  varying  the  terms  at  present  f>ropo'ied,  in  such  a 
manner,  as  the  state  of  war,  at  the  time  ol  resuming  the 
conferences,  may  in  thcirjndgment  rerider  advisable. 


APPENDIX. 


367 


The  uiKlersig-ned  avail  themselves  of  ihis  occasion 
to  renew  to  the  Plempotentiaru's  of  the  U.  Slates,  tlie 
awiurapce  of  their  high  eonsideratioi' 

CAMHIER, 
H    GOl  LBURN, 
W.  ADAMS. 
Ghent,  August  19,  1814. 

The  ministers  plenipotentiary  and  extraordinarif  of' 
the  f  .  iStal(s  to  the  pUnpoientiaries   oj  his  Bri- 
tannic Majesty. 

Ghent,  August  24,  1814. 
The  undersiai-ned  ministers  |)leiii|)oteiiiiary  and 
extraordinary  from  the  Uniled  Stales  ol  America, 
have  g^iven  lo  the  ofl^cial  note  which  tijey  have  hud 
the  honor  of  receiving  lium  his  Britannic  niajeslN's 
pleni|)otentiarics  the  deliberate  attention  which  the 
importance  of  its  roiitenls  required,  and  have  now 
that  of  transmitting  to  them  their  answer  on  tlie  sev- 
eral points  lo  which  it  refers. 

They  would  present  t.  tl  e  consideration  of  the  Bri- 
tish plenipotentiar.es,  that  U.vd  Castiereagh,  in  his  let- 
ter of  the  4th  of  Novemher  1HI3,  to  the  American 
secretary  of  stale,  pledges  the  faith  of  the  British  gov- 
ernment that  Hhey  were  willmg  to  center  into  discus- 
sion With  the  govtrnmentof  America  for  the  concili- 
atory adjustm«iitof  the  di>^»^rences  subsisting  between 
the  two  tales,  with  an  earnest  desire  on  their  part  lo 
bring  them  to  a  favorable  issue,  upon  principles  of 
perftct  reciprocity,  not  inconsistent  with  the  eslab- 
hshed  maxims  of  public  law,  and  the  maritime  rights 
of  the  British  empire.'  This  tact  alone  might  srutlice 
tushew,  that  it  ought  not  lo  have  been  expected  that 
the  American  government,  in  acceding  to  this  pro- 
position, should  have  exceeded  itsteruvs  andfurnisli- 
ed  the  uudersicrued  with  instructions  auihorisinur 
them  to  treat  with  the  British  plenipotentiaries  re- 
specting  Indians  situated  within  the  boundaries  of  the 
U.  Slates.  That  such  ex|>ectation  was  not  enter- 
tauied  by  the  British  government  might  also  have 
been  intCTied  from  the  explicit  assuriuice^  which  tlie 


•'[ 


lii 


'■(' 


;'! 


!:M 


i     i 


I  J 


It   >f    ' 


''™"/C  :^r.-f 


11! 


I       t 


I  *' 


I 


968 


iPPJSNDIX. 


firititih  pknipolentiaries  gave,  on  the  part. of  their 
government,  at  the  first  conference  which  the  under- 
signed had  the  honor  of  lidding  with  them,  that  no 
events,  subsequent  to  the  first  proposal  for  this  nego- 
ciation,  had,  in  any  manner,  varied  either  the  dispo- 
sition ofthe  British  government,  that  it  might  termi- 
nate in  a  peace  honorable  to  both  parties,  or  the  ternts 
upon  which  they  would  be  willing  to  conclude  it. 

It  is  well  known  that  the  differences  which  unhap- 
ily  subsist  between  Great-Britain  and  the  U.  States, 
and  which  ultimately  led  to  the  present  war,  were 
wholly  of  a  maritime  nature,  arising  principally  from 
Ihe  Bi'itish Orders  in  Council,  in  relation  to  blockades, 
and  from  the  impressment  of  mariners  from  on  board 
of  American  vessels. — The  boundary  of  the  Indian 
territory  had  never  been  a  subject  of  difference  be- 
tween the  two  countries.  Neither  the  principles  of 
reciprocity,  the  maximsi  of  public  law,  nor  the  mari- 
time rights  of  the  British  empire  could  require  the 
permanent  establishment  of  such  a  boundary.  The 
novel  pretensions  now  advanced  could  no  more  have 
been  anticipated  by  the  government  of  the  (J.  States, 
in  forming  instructions  for  this  negociation,  than  they 
seem  to  have  been  contemplated  by  that  of  G.  Britain 
in  November  last  m  proposing  it.  Lord  Castlereagh's 
note  makes  the  termination  ofthe  war  to  depend  on 
a  conciliatory  adjustment  of  the  differences  then  sub- 
sisting between  the  two  states  and  in  no  other  condi- 
tion whatever. 

Nor  could  the  American  government  have  foreseen 
that  G.  Britain  in  order  to  obtain  peace  for  the  Indiiaiis, 
residing  within  the  dominions  of  the  U.  States,  M'houi 
she  iiad  induced  to  take  part  with  her  \n  the  war, 
would  demand  that  they  should  be  made  parties  io 
the  treaty  between  the  two  nations,  or  that  the  boun- 
daries of  their  lands  should  be  permanently  and  uie- 
vocably  fixed  by  that  treaty.  Such  a  proposition  is 
contrary  to  the  acknowleclged  principles  of  public 
law,  and  the  practice  of  all  civilized  nations,  partic- 
ularly of  Great-Britain  and  of  the  U.  States.  It  is 
nut  founded  on  reciprocity.    It  is  unnecessary  for  the 


APPENDIX. 


3dd 


attainment  of  the  object  which  it  professes  to  have  in 
view. 

No  maxim  of  public  law  has  hitherto  been  more 
universally  established  among  the  powers  of  Europe 
oossessing:  territories  in  America,  and  there  is  none 
to  which  Great-Britain  has  more  uniformly  and  in* 
flexibly  adhered,  than  that  of  su^Terin^  no  interposi- 
tion of  a  foreign  power  in  the  relations  between  the 
acknowledged  sovereign  of  the  temtory,  and  the  In- 
dians situated  upon  it.  Without  the  admission  of  this 
principle,  there  would  be  no  intelligible  meaning 
attached  to  stipulations  establishing  boundaries  be- 
tween the  dominions  in  America,  of  civilized  nations 
possessing  territories  inhabited  by  Indian  tribes. — r 
Whatever  may  be  the  relations  of  Indians  to  the  na- 
tion in  whose  territory  they  are  thus  acknowledged 
to  reside,  they  cannot  be  considered  as  an  independent 
power  by  the  nation  which  has  made  such  acknowl- 
edgment. 

The  territory  of  which  Great-Britain  wishes  now  to 
dispose,  is  within  the  dominions  of  the  U.  States, 
was  solemnly  acknowledged  by  herself  in  the  treaty 
of  pc'^'^e  of  1783,  which  established  their  boundaries, 
and  by  ivhich  she  relinquished  all  claim  to  the  gov- 
ernment, propriety,  and  territorial  rights  within  these 
boundaries.  No  condition  respecting  the  Indians  re- 
siding therein,  was  inserted  in  that  treaty.  No  stip- 
ulation similar  to  that  now  proposed  is  to  be  found  in 
any  treaty  made  by  Great-Britain,  or  within  the 
knowledge  of  the  undersigned,  by  any  other  nation. 

The  Indian  tribes  for  which  Great-Britain  propo- 
ses now  to  stipulate  have,  themselves,  acknowedged 
Ihis  principle.  By  the  Greenville  treaty  of  1795,  to 
which  the  British  plenipotentiaries  have  here  alluded, 
it  is  expressly  stipulated,  and  the  condition  has  been 
contimied  by  every  subsequent  treaty,  so  late  as  the 
year  1810, '  That  the  Indian  tribes  shall  quietly  en- 
joy their  lands,  hunting,  planting,  and  dwelling  there- 
on, so  loiig  as  they  please,  without  any  molestation 
from  the  (j,  States  :  but  that  m  hen  those  tribes,  or 

47 


n 


'I  I     <\  i 


7  4 


'\      I 


'!( 


r  ■ 


•'1 

'1-    : 

III 


I    (li 


370 


Ain*ENDTX. 


any  of  tliem,  shall  he  disposed  to  sell  their  lands,  tliny 
shall  be  Mold  only  to  the  U.  Statcti :  that  until  siicli 
sale,  the  V.  States  will  protect  nil  the  said  Indian 
tribes  in  the  quiet  enjoyment  of  their  lands  against 
all  citizens  of  the  U.  ir^tates,  and  against  all  oti  er 
white  persons  who  intrnde  on  the  same,  and  that  the 
said  [ndian  tribes  again  acknowledge  themselves  to 
be  under  the  protection  of  the  said  U.  States,  and  of 
no  other  power  whatever.* 

I'hat  there  is  no  reciprocity  in  the  proposed  stiptr- 
lation  is  evident.  In  prohibiting  G.  Britnin  and  ttie 
U.  States  tVom  purchasing  laitds  within  a  part  of  the 
dominion  of  the  latter  power,  while  it  processes  to 
take  from  G.  Britain  a  privilege  which  she  bad  not,  it 
actually  deprives  the  U.  States  of  a  right  exclusively 
belonging  to  them. 

The  pro^msitiun  is  utterly  unnecessary  for  the  pur- 
pose of  obtaining' a  pacitication  for  the  Indians  resid- 
ing within  the  territories  of  the  U.  Stales.  The  un- 
dersigned have  already  had  the  honor  of  informing 
the  British  Pteiiopotentiuries,  that,  under  the  system 
of  liberal  policv  adopted  by  theU.  States  in  their  re- 
lations with  the  Indians  within  their  territories,  an  un^ 
interrnpted  peace  boil  sobsistod  from  the  year  1775> 
not  oidy  between  \\\e  (J.  St;vte!i  and  nil  those  tribes, 
but  also  amongst  those  tribes  themselves  for  a  longev 
period  of  time  than  ever  had  been  known  since  tiie 
iirst  settlement  of  North  America.  Against  those 
Indians  the  IT.  States  have  neither  interest  nor  incli- 
nation to  continue  the  war.  They  have  nothing  to 
ask  oi'  them  but  peace.  Commissioners  on  tivir  part 
have  been  appointed  to  conclude  it,  and  an  armisticti 
was  actually  made  last  autumn  with  most  of  those 
tribes.  The  British  government  may  again  have  in- 
duced some  of  them  to  take  their  side  in  the  war,  but 
peace  with  theni  will  necessarily  follow  immediately 
a  peace  with  G.  Britain.  To  a  provisional  article 
similar  tu  what  h;is  been  stipulated  in  some  former 
livaties,  engaging  that  each  party  will  treat  for  the 
Indians  within  its  territories,  include  them  in  the 
^'ace,  au<l  use  its  best   endeavors  to  prevent  tbettt 


AI»PEM>1X. 


871 


eir  luiitls.tliey 
lat  until  siicli 
le  said  Indian 
lands  against 
ainst  all  otl  er 
e,  and  that  the 
themselves  to 
States,  and  of 

jroposed  stipw- 
ritain  and  ttie 
n  a  part  of  the 
processes  to 
she  had  not,  it 
Ut  exclusively 

ry  for  the  pur- 
in<lians  resid- 
ales.  The  un- 
p  of  informing 
der  the  system 
ites  in  their  Te- 
rritories, an  im- 
the  year  1775> 
ill  those  trihes, 
ves  for  a  longev 
nown  since  the 
Against  those 
?re.st  nor  incli- 
ave  nothing  to 
rs  on  tiv  ir  part 
d  an  armistice 
most  of  those 
again  have  in- 
in  the  war,  but 
»w  immediately 
trisional  article 
II  some  former 
II  treat  for  the 
e  them  in  the 
prevent  tbeto 


uom  (umniitling  liostillities  against  the  citi/cns  or 
subjects  ot  the  other  party,  the  undersigned  might  as- 
;;ent,  and  reiy  on  the  approbutiou  and  ratiHcatioii  of 
then*  goveranititit.  Ttiey  wuutd  aisu  for  the  purpose 
of  secunng  the  duratioti  of  peace,  a  id  to  prevent  col- 
lisions which  might  interrupt  it,  pripose  a  sti;>u!ation 
which  siiould  j  reciuiic  ilio  subjects  ov  citize.;S  of 
ench  natioii,  reii.ieclively  from  trading  with  the 
I  liiiuns  residing  in  ihe  territory  of  the  other.  But  to 
surretider  both  the  rigiits  of  sovereignly  and  of  soil 
over  nearly  one  third  of  the  territoiial  dominions  of 
the  U.  States  to  a  number  of  Indians  not  probably 
exceeding  twenty  thousand,  the  uudei'signed  are  so 
far  from  being  instructed  or  authorizf.d,  that  any  ar- 
rangement fur  that  purpose  would  be  iostantaaeously 
rejected  by  their  government. 

JSol  only  has  this  extraordinary  demand  been  made 
asiiie  qua  non,  to  be  admitted  without  a  discussion, 
and  as  a  preliminary  basis  ;  but  it  is  accompanied 
by  others  equally  inadmissible,  which  the  British  Ple- 
nipotentiaries state  to  be  so  connected  with  it,  that 
tliey  may  reasonably  influence  the  decision  of  the  un- 
dersigned upon  it,  yet  leaving  them  uniformed  how 
fai'  these  other  demands  may  also  be  insisted  on  as  in- 
dispensable conditions  of  a  peace. 

As  little  are  the  undersigned  instructed  or  empow- 
ered to  accede  to  the  propositions  of  the  Bi'itish  govrn- 
ment,  in  relation  to  the  military  occupation  of  the 
western  lakes.  If  they  have  found  the  proposed  inter- 
ference of  G.  Britain  in  the  concerns  of  Indians  residr 
ing  within  die  U.  States  utterly  incompatible  with  any 
established  maxim  of  public  law,  they  are  no  less  at 
a  loss  to  discover  by  what  rule  of  perfect  reciprocity 
theU.  Slates  can  be  required  to  renounce  their  equal 
rightof  maintaining  a  naval  force  upon  those  lakes, 
and  of  fortifying  their  own  shores,  while  G.  Britain 
reserves  exclusively  the  corresponding  rights  to  heiv 
self.  That  in  point  of  military  preparation,  G.Bri- 
tain in  her  possessions  in  Norih  America,  ever  has 
been  in  a  condition  to  be  terme^i,  with  propriety,  the 
,  weaker  power  in  comparison  with  the  t).  States,  the^ 


I 


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n 


372 


APPENDIX. 


♦llllli 


i 


; 


i 


undersigned  believe  to  be  incorrect  in  point  of  faci. 
Inrep^ard  to  the  forlitication  of  the  shores,  and  to  the 
forces  actually  ke|>t  on  foot  upon  lhi)Me  frontierM,  they 
believe  the  Huperiority  to  have  always  been  on  the  side 
of  G.  Britain.  If  the  proposal  to  dismantle  the  forls 
upon  her  shores,  strike  forever  her  military  flag  upon 
her  lakes,  and  lay  her  whole  frontier  defenceless  in  the 
presence  of  her  armed  and  fortified  neighbor,  had 
proceeded  not  from  G  Britain  to  the  U.  States,  but 
from  the  U.  States  to  G.  Britain,  the  undersigned 
may  safely  appeal  to  the  bosoms  of  his  Britannic 
Majesty's  Plenipotentiaries  for  the  feelings  with 
whirh,  not  only  in  regard  to  the  interests,  but  the  hon- 
or ut  their  nation,  they  would  have  recefved  such  a 
proposal.  What  would  G.  Britain  herself  say,  if  in 
relation  to  another  frontier,  where  she  has  the  ac- 
kno\^  ledged  superiority  of  strength,  it  were  proposed 
that  she  should  be  reduced  to  a  condition  even  of 
equality  with  the  U.  States  ? 

The  undersigned  further  perceive  that  under  the 
alledged  purpose  of  opening  a  direct  communication 
between  two  of  the  British  provinces  in  America,  the 
British   government   require  a  cession  of  territory 
forming  a  part  of  one  of  the  states  of  the   American 
union,  and  that  they  propose,  without  purpose  speci- 
fically alledged,  to  draw  the  boundary  line  westward, 
not  from  the  lake  of  the  Woods,  as  it  now  is,  but  from 
lake  Superior.     It  must  be  perfectly    immaterial  to 
the   U.    States   whether  the  object  of  the    British 
govenment,  in  demanding  the  dismemberment  of  the 
U.  States  is  to  acquire  territory,  as  such,   or  for  pur- 
poses less  liable,  in  the  eyes  of  the  world,  to  be  ascri^ 
bed  to  the  desire  of  aggrandizement.     Whatever  the 
motive  may  be,  and  with  whatever  consistency  views 
of  conquest  may  be  diselumied,  whde  demanding  for 
herself,  or  for  the  Indians,  a  cession  of  tei  ritory  more 
extensive  than  the   whole   Island  of  G.   Britain,  the 
duty  marked  out  for  the   undersingned   is  the  same. 
They  have  no  authority  to  cede  any  part  of  the  terri- 
tory of  the  U.  States,  and  to  no  stipulation  to  that  ef- 
fect will  they  subscribe.  '      'V«  j  5"    ' 


APPKNDIX. 


37a 


The  conditions  propoHcd  by  G.  Britain  linve  no  re- 
lution  to  the  subsisting  difterences  between  the  two 
countries:  they  ore  inconsistent  with  nclcnowledg^td 
principles  of  public  law  :  they  are  founded  neither  on 
recipt  ocity  not  un  any  of  Uie  usual  bases  of  negocia- 
tion,  neitlier  on  that  o  t  possidetis,  or  of  status  ante 
belluni :  they  would  *he  most  vital  injury  on 

the  U  States,  by  disi  ;  their  territory,  by  ar- 

resting their  natural .  1(1  increase  of  poj'ula- 

tion,  and  by  leaving  lncir  nuriliern  and  western  fron- 
tier equally  exposed  to  British  invasion  and  lo  Indian 
aggression  :  they  are,  above  all,  dishonorable  to  the 
U.  States,  in  demanding  from  them  to  abandon  ter- 
ritory and  a  portion  of  their  citizens,  to  admit  a  for- 
eign interference  in  their  domestic  concerns,  and  to 
cease  to  exercise  their  natural  rights  on  their  own 
shores  and  in  then'  own  waters.  A  treaty  concluded 
on  such  terms  would  be  but  an  armistice.  It  can- 
not be  supposed  that  America  would  long  submit  to 
conditions  so  injurious  and  degrading.  It  is  impossi- 
ble, in  thtt  natural  course  of  events,  thvit  she  should  not, 
at  the  first  favorable  opportunity,  recur  to  arms,  toi: 
the  recovery  of  her  territory,  of  her  rights,  of  her  hon- 
or. Instead  of  settling  existing  differences,  such  a 
peace  would  only  create  new  causes  of  war,  sow  the 
seeds  of  a  permanent  hatred,  and  lay  the  foundation 
of  hostilities  for  an  indefinite  period. 

Essentially  pacific  from  her  political  institutions, 
from  the  habits  of  her  citizens,  from  her  physical  sit- 
uation, America  reluctantly  engaged  in  the  war. 
She  wishes  for  peace  ;  but  she  wishes  for  it  upon 
those  terms  of  reciprocity,  honorable  to  both  counties, 
which  can  alone  render  it  permanent.  The  causes 
of  the  war  between  the  U.  States  and  G.  Britain  having 
disappeared  by  the  maritime  pacification  of  Europe, 
the  government  of  the  U.  States  does  not  desire  lo 
continue  it,  in  defence  of  abstract  principles,  which 
have  for  the  present,  ceased  to  have  any  practical  ef- 
fect. The  undersigned  have  been  accordingly  in- 
structed to  agree  to  its  termination,  both  parties  res- 
toring whatever  territory  t4;ey  may   have  taken,  and 


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APPENDIX. 


both  reserving  all  their  rights,  in  relation  to  their  re* 
spective  seamen.  To  make  the  peace  between  the 
two  nations  solid  and  permanent,  the  umiersigiied 
were  also  instructed,  and  have  been  prepared  to  enter 
into  the  most  amicable  discussion  ot  all  those  points 
on  which  differences  or  uncertainty  had  existed,  and 
-which  might  hereafter  tend  in  any  degree  whatever  to 
interrupt  the  harmony  of  the  two  countries,  without, 
however,  making  the  conclusion  of  the  peace  at  all 
depend  upon  a  successful  result  of  the  discussion. 

It  is,  therefore,  with  deep  regret,  that  the  under* 
signed  have  seen  that  other  views  are  entertained  by 
the  British  government,  and  that  new  and  unexpected 
pretensions  are  raised,  which,  if  persisted  in,  must  op- 
pose an  insu|)erable  obstacle  to  a  pacification.  It  is 
not  necessary  to  refer  such  demands  to  the  American 

fovernmeiit  for  its  instruction.  They  will  only  be  a 
t  subject  of  deliberation,  when  it  becomes  necessary 
to  decide  upon  the  expediency  of  an  absolute  surren- 
der of  national  independence. 

The  undersigned  request  the  British  Plenipoten> 
tiaries  to  accept  the  assurance  of  their  high  esteem.   ' 


JOHN  a  ADAMS. 
J.  A  BAYARD, 
H.CLAY, 


JONA.  RUSSELL, 
A.  GALLATIN. 


The  British  to  the  American  Commission's.    ' 

Ghent,  i^ept.  4, 1814. 

The  undersigned  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge 
the  receipt  of  the  note  of  the  American  Plenipoten- 
tiaries, dated  the  24th  ultimo. 

It  is  with  unfeigned  regret  that  the  undersigned  ob- 
serve, both  in  the  tone  and  substance  of  the  whole 
note,  so  little  proof  of  aiiy  disposition  on  the  part  of  the 
government  of  the  U.  states  tu  enter  into  an  amica- 
ble discussion  of  the  several  points  submitted  by  the 
undersigned  in  their  former  communication.  The 
uiidei'signed  are  perfectly  aware,  that  in  bringing  for- 
Avard  those  points  for  consideration,  and  stating  with 
so  much  frankness,  as  they  did,  the  views  with  which 
they  were  proposed,  they  departed  from  the  usual 


i.i 


APPENDIX. 


887 


course  of  neg'oeiating<  by  disclosing  all  the  objects  of 
their  governnient,  while  those  which  the  American 
government  had  in  view  were  withheld :  but  in  so 
doing  they  were  principally  actuated  by  a  desire  of 
bringing  the  negociation  as  soon  as  possible  to  a  favor- 
able terminHtion,and  in  some  measure  by  their  willing- 
ness to  comply  with  the  wishesexpressedby  theAmer- 
can  Plenipotentiaries  themselves. 

It  is  peifertly  true  that  the  war  between  his  Majes* 
ty  and  the  U.  States,  was  declared  by  the  latter  pow- 
er upon  tlie  pretence  of  maritime  rights  alledged  to  be 
asserted  by  G.  Britain,  and  disputed  by  the  U.  States. 

If  the  war  thus  declared  by  the  U.  btates  had  been 
carried  on  by  them  for  objects  purely  of  a  maritime 
mature,  or  if  the  attack  which  has  been  made  on  Can- 
ada had  been  for  the  purpose  of  diversion,  or  the  way 
of  defence  against  the  British  forces  in  that  quarter/ 
any  qustion  as  to  the  boundaries  of  Canada,  might 
have  been  considered  as  unnecessary  ',  but  it  is  noto- 
rious to  the  whole  world  that  the  conquest  of  Candn,  and 
its  permanent  annexation  to  the  U.  States,  was  the  de- 
dared  object  of  the  American  government.  If  i^ 
consequence  of  a  different  course  of  events  on  the  con- 
tinent of  Europe,  his  Majesty's  government  had  been 
unable  to  reinforce  the  British  armies  in  Canada, 
and  the  United  States  had  obtained  a  decided  supe- 
riority in  that  quarter,  is  there  any  person  who  doubts 
that  they  would  have  availed  themselves  of  their  situ- 
ation to  obtain  on  the  side  of  Canada  important  ces- 
sions  of  territory,  if  not  the  entire  abandonment  of  that 
country  by  Great  Britain?  Is  the  American  govern- 
ment to  be  allowed  to  pursue,  so  for  as  its  means  will 
enable  it,  a  system  of  acquisition  and  aggrandize- 
ment to  the  extent  of  annexing  entire  provinces  to 
their  dominions,  and  is  his  majesty  to  be  precluded 
from  availing  himself  of  his  means,  so  far  as  they  will 
enable  him,  to  retain  those  points  which  the  valor  of 
British  arms  may  have  placed  in  his  power,  because 
they  happen  to  be  situated  within  the  territories  allot- 
ted under  former  trciities  to  the  government  of  the 
Unl^d  States?  ,.  .  . 


i) 


1  *  ; 


I     ■     : 


11  .^ 


l'^ 


'Si 
I 


I    V 


I  I 


'<  1 


u 


1 1 


;  i 


'1^    .: 


:;! 


i-'ii  -■ 


376 


APPENDIX. 


Such  a  principle  of  negociation  was  never  avowed 
antecedent  to  ihatot  the  revolutionary  ^ovenimeutof 
France. 

If  the  policy  of  the  United  States  had  bten  essen- 
tially pacific,  as  the  American  plenipotentiaries  as- 
sert it  oui^ht  to  he,  from  their  political  institutions, 
from  the  habits  of  their  citizens,  and  from  their  phys- 
ical situation,  it  nughi  not  have  been  necessary  to 
propose  the  precantionnry  provisions  now  under  dis- 
cussion. That,  of  late  yeurs  at  least,  the  American 
government  have  been  influenced  by  a  very  ditl'erent 
policy  ;  by  a  spirit  of  aggrandizement  not  necessary 
to  their  own  security,  l>ut  increasing  with  the  extent 
of  their  empire,  has  been  too  clearly  manifested' by 
their  progressive  occupation  of  the  Indian  territories ; 
by  the  acquisition  ot  Louisana ;  by  the  more  recent 
attempt  to  wrest  by  force  of  arms  from  a  nation  in 
amity,  the  two  Floridas:  and,  lastly,  by  the  avowed 
intention  of  permanently  annexing  the  Canadas  to 
the  United  Slates. 

If,  then,  the  security  of  the  British  North  American 
dominions  requires  any  sacrifices  on  the  part  of  the 
U.  States,  they  must  be  ascribed  to  the  declared  poli- 
cy of  that  government  in  making  the  war  not  one  of 
self  defence  for  the  redress  of  grievences,  real  or 
pretented.  b(  paitufa  system  of  conquest  and  ag- 
grandizrment.  o?  .  . 

The  :3ritish  government  in  its  present  situation,  is 
bour.d  'ill  duty  to  endeavor  to  secure  its  North  Amer- 
ican dominions  against  those  attempts  at  conquest, 
which  the  American  government  have  avowed  to  be 
a  principle  of  their  policy,  and  which  as  such  will  un- 
doubtedly be  renewed,  whenever  any  succeeding  war 
between  the  two  countrit'S  shall  aftbrd  a  prospect  of 
renewing  them  with  success. 

The  British  plenipotentiaries  proposed  that  the 
military  possession  of  the  lakes,  from  lake  Ontario  to 
lake  Superior,  should  be  secured  to  Great-Briain,  be- 
cause the  command  of  those  lakes  would  afford  to  the 
American  government  the  means  of  commencing  a 
War  in  the  heart  ot  Canada,  and  because  the  command 


APPENDIX. 


377 


never  avowed 


i  the  command 


of  Uieni,  on  the  part  of  Great-Britain,  has  been  shewn 
by  experience  to  be  attended  with  no  insecurity  to  the 
tjnited  States. 

When  the  relative  strength  of  the  two  powers  in 
North  America  is  considered,  it  should  be  recollect- 
ed that  the  British  dominions  in  that  quarter  do  not 
contain  a  population  of  five  hundred  thousand  souls, 
whereas  the  territory  of  the  U.  States  contains  a  pop- 
ulation of  more  than  seven  millions ;  that  the  naval 
resources  of  the  United  States  are  at  hand  for  attack, 
and  that  the  naval  resources  of  G.  Britain  are  on  the 
other  side  of  the  Atlantic. 

The  military  possession  of  those  lakes  is  not,  there- 
fore, necessary  for  the  protection  of  the  U.  States. 

The  proposal  for  allowing  the  territories  on  the 
southern  banks  of  the  lakes  above  mentioned  to  re- 
main in  the  possession  of  the  government  of  the  U. 
States,  provided  no  fortifications  should  be  erected 
on  the  snoies,  and  no  armament  permitted  on  the  wa- 
ters, has  been  made,  for  the  purpose  of  manifesting, 
that  security  and  not  acquisition  of  the  territory  is  the 
object  of  the  British  government,  and  that  they  have 
110  desire  to  throw  obstacles  in  the  way  of  any  com- 
merce which  tlie  people  of  the  IT.  States  may  be  de- 
sirous of  carrying  on  upon  the  lakes  in  time  of  peace. 

The  undersigned,  with  the  anxious  wish  to  rectify 
all  misunderstanding,  have  thus  more  fully  explained 
the  grounds  upon  which  they  brought  forward  the 
propositions  contained  in  their  former  note  I'especting^ 
the  boundaries  of  the  British  dominions  in  North 
America. 

They  do  not  wish  to  insist  upon  them  beyond  what 
the  circumstancesmay  fairly  require.  They  are  ready, 
amicably  to  discuss  the  details  of  them  with  a  view 
to  V.xe  adoption  of  any  modifications  which  the  Amer- 
ican plenipotentiaries,  or  their  government,  may  have 
to  suggest,  if  they  are  not  incompatible  with  the  ob- 
ject itself. 

With  respect  to  the  boundary  of  the  district  of 
Maine,  and  that  of  the  north  western  frontier  ofthr 


1 1 


(M    I  ■   i 


i'i 


:  I 


.,  48 


4(::  Ii  i 


373 


APPENDIX. 


I i  !|: 


U.  States,  the  undersigned  were  not  prepared  to  an< 
ticipute  the  objections  contained  in  the  note  of  the 
American  plenipotentiaries,  *  that  thev  were  instrnct- 
ed  to  treat  for  the  revision  of  their  boundary  liius/ 
with  the  statement  which  they  b;ive  subsequently 
made,  that  they  had  no  authority  to  cede  any  part, 
however  insignificant,  of  the  territories  of  the  United 
States,  although  the  ()roposal  left  it  open  to  them  to 
demand  an  equivalent  for  such  cession  either  in  fron- 
tier or  otherwise. 

The  Ainerican  ph  nipotcntiaries  must  be  aware  that 
the  boundary  of  the  tiistrict  of  Maine  has  never  been 
correctly  ascertained ;  that  the  one  asserted  at  pre- 
sent by  the  American  government,  by  which  the  di- 
rect communication  between  Hahfax  and  Quebec 
becomes  interrupted,  was  not  in  contemplation  of  the 
British  plenipotentiaries  who  concluded  the  treaty  of 
1783,  and  that  the  greater  part  of  the  territory  iu 
question  is  actually  unoccupied. 

The  undersigned  are  persuaded  that  an  arrange' 
ment  on  this  point  might  be  easily  made,  if  entered 
into  with  the  spirit  of  conciliation,  without  any  pre. 
judice  to  the  interests  of  the  district  in  question. 

As  the  necessity  of  fixing  some  boundary  for  the 
north  western  frontier  has  been  mutually  acknowl- 
edged, a  proposal  for  a  discussion  on  that  subject  can- 
not be  considered  as  a  demand  for  a  lession  of  territO' 
ry,  unless  the  U.  States  arc  prepared  to  assert  that 
there  is  no  limit  to  their  territories  in  that  direclipn, 
and  that  availing  themselves  of  the  geograjthical  er- 
ror upon  which  that  part  of  the  treaty  of  1783  was 
founded,  they  will  acknowledge  no  boundary  what- 
ever, then  unquestionably  any  proposition  to  fix  one< 
be  it  what  it  may,  must  be  considered  as  demanding 
a  large  cession  of  territory  from  the  U.  States. 

Is  the  American  government  prepared  to  assert 
such  an  unlimited  right,  so  contrary  to  the  evident 
intention  of  the  treaty  itself?  Or,  is  his  niajesly'si 
government  to  understand  that  the  American  pleni- 
potentiaries arc  willing  to  acknowledge  the  boundm'v 
from  the  lake  of  the  Woods  to  the  Mississippi  (thf 


!»     i 


prepared  to  an- 

the  note  of  ll»c 

jy  were  insUncl- 

bounclar}  lines,' 

ve    subsequently 

cede   any  pa'U 

•,C8  of  the  tTniled 

open  to  them  to 

on  either  infron- 

nust  be  aware  that 
le  has  never  been 
e  asserted  at  pve- 

by  v'hich  the  di- 
ifax  and  a«ebec 
itemi'lation  of  the 
uded  the  treaty  of ' 

of  the  territory  ui 

I  that  an  arrange- 
made,  if  entered 
,  without  any  pre- 
;  ni  question. 
iJouudary  fortht 
mutually  acknowl- 
on  that  subject  can- 
a  lessioti  of  ttTnto- 
pared  to  assert  that 
in  that  direcUpn, 
e  geographical  er- 
Irealy   of  1783  was 
iio  boundary  what- 
jposition  to  lix  one, 
ered  as  demanding 
iie  U.  State*. 

prepared  to  assert 
•arv  to  the  evident 
Or*,  is  his  niajestyM 
le  American  pleni- 
fledge  the  boundiuvj 
the  Mississippi  m 


APPEKDXX. 


379 


arrangement  made  by  a  convention  in  1803,  but  not 
ratified)  as  that  by  which  their  government  is  ready 
to  abide  ? 

Tiie  British  plenipotentiaries  are  instructed  to  ac- 
cept favorably  such  a  proposition,  or  to  discuss  any 
other  line  of  boundary  which  may  be  submitted  for 
consideration. 

It  is  with  equal  astonishment  and  regret  the  under- 
signed find  that  the  American  plenipotentiaries,  have 
not  only  declined  signing  any  provisional  article,  bv 
which  the  Indian  nations  who  have  taken  part  with 
Great- Britani  in  the  present  contest  may  be  included 
in  the  i>eacc,  and  mav  have  a  boundary  assigned  to 
them,  but  have  also  thought  proper  to  express  surprise 
at  any  prupositiun  on  the  subject  having  been'advanced. 

The  American  Plenipotentiaries  state,  that  their 
government  could  not  have  expected  such  a  discus- 
sion, and  appear  resolved,  at  once,  to  reject  any  pro- 
position on  this  head  ;  representing  it  as  a  demand 
contrary  to  the  acknowledged  principles  of  public 
law,  tantamount  to  a  cession  of  one  third  of  the  terri- 
torial dominions  of  the  U.  States,  and  required  to  be 
admitted  without  discussion. 

The  proposition  which  is  thus  represented  is,  that 
the  Indian  nations,  which  hav^  been  during  the  war 
in  alliance  with  G.  Britain,  should  at  its  termination 
be  included  in  the  pacification  ;  and  with  a  view  to 
their  permanent  tranquility  and  security,  that  the  Brir 
tish  government  is  willing  t>  take  as  a  basis  of  an  ar- 
ticle on  the  subject  of  a  boundary  for  those  nations, 
the  stipulations  which  the  American  government  con- 
tracted in  1795,  subject,  however,  to  modifications. 

After  the  declaration,  publicly  made  to  those  In- 
dian nations  by  the  governor  Gen.  of  Canada,  that 
G.  Britain  would  not  desert  them,  could  the  Ameri- 
can government  really  persuade  itself  that  no  propo- 
sition relating  to  those  nations  would  be  advanced, 
and  did  lord  Castlereagh*s  note  of  the  4th  Nov.  1813, 
imply  so  great  a  sacrifice  of  honor,  or  exclude  from  dis- 
cussion every  subject,  except  what  immediately  rela- 
ted to  the  martime  questions  referred  to  in  it  P 


■     i 

■  i 

1 

1 

■       1 

1          ' 
i 

* 

• 

/  I  ( 

I    !  ! 


i 


:i    U 


:ll 


■i 


■■■      i     !• 


11 


U80 


APPENDIX. 


1^;      1 

■  1       ' 

I 


Mi 


iii^^' 


When  the  undersigned  assured  the  American  Plf 
nipotentiarics  of  the  anxious  wish  of  the  British 
government  that  the  negociation  might  terminate  in  a 
peace  honorable  to  both  parties,  it  could  not  have 
been  imagined  that  the  American  Plenipotentiaries 
would  thence  conclude,  that  his  Majesty's  govern- 
ment was  prepared  to  abandon  Mie  Indian  nations  to 
their  fate,  nor  could  it  have  been  forscen  that  the 
American  government  would  have  considered  it  as 
derogatory  to  its  honor  to  admit  a  proposition  by  which 
the  tranquility  of  these  nations  might  be  secured. 

The  treaty  of  Greenville  established  the  boundaries 
between  the  IT.  States  and  the  Indian  nations.  'J^Jie 
American  Plenipotentiaries  must  be  aware,  that  the 
war  which  has  since  broken  out,  has  abrogated  that 
treaty.  Is  it  contrary  to  the  established  principles  of 
public  law  for  the  British  government  to  propose,  on 
behalf  of  its  allies,  that  this  treaty,  shall,  on  the  paciti- 
cation,  be  considered  subject  to  such  modifications 
as  the  ca«e  may  render  necessary  ?  Or  is  it  unrea- 
sonable to  propose,  that  this  stipulation  should  be 
amended,  and  that  on  that  foiyidation  some  arrange- 
ment should  be  made  which  would  provide  for  theex- 
istance  of  a  neutral  power  between  G.  Britain  and  the 
IT.  States,  calculated  to  secure  to  both  a  longer  con- 
tinuance of  the  blessings  of  peace  ? 

So  far  was  that  specific  proposition  respecting  the 
Indian  boundaries  from  being  insisted  upon  in  the 
note,  or  in  the  conference  which  preceded  it,  as  one 
to  be  admitted  without  discussion,  that  it  would  have 
been  difficult  to  use  terms  of  greater  latitude,  or 
which  appeared  more  adapted,  uot  only  not  to  pre- 
clude but  to  invite  discussion. 

If  the  basis  proposed  could  convey  away  one  third 
of  the  territory  of  the  U.  States,  the  American  govern- 
ment itself  must  have  conveyed  it  away  by  the 
Greenville  treaty  of  1796. 

'  It  is  impossible  to  read  that  treaty  without  remark- 
ing how  inconsistent  the  present  pretensions  of  the 
American  government  are,  with  its  preamble  and 
provisions.     The  boundary  line  between  the  lands  of 


'■  I 


nations.     'J^lie 


APPENDIX. 


381 


the  U.  States  and  those  of  the  Indian  nations,  is  there- 
in expressly  defined.  The  {rcneral  character  of  the 
treaty,  is  that  of  a  treaty  with  independent  nations  ; 
and  the  very  stipulation  which  the  American  Pleni- 
potentiaries refer  to,  that  the  Indian  nations  should  sell 
their  lands  only  to  the  U.  States,  tends  to  prove  that, 
hut  for  that  stipulation,  the  Indians  had  a  general 
rig-ht  to  dispose  of  them. 

The  American  government  has  now  for  the  first 
time,  in  effect,  declared  that  all  Indian  nations  with- 
in its  line  of  demarkation  are  its  subjects,  living  there 
upon  sufferance,  on  lands  which  it  also  claims  the  ex- 
clusive right  of  acquiring,  thereby  menacing  the  final 
extinction  of  those  nations. 

Against  such  a  system  the  undersigned  must  for^ 
mally  protest.  The  undersigned  repeat,  that  the 
terms  on  which  the  proposition  has  been  made  for  as- 
signing to  the  Indian  nations  some  boundary,  mani- 
fest no  unwillingness  to  discuss  any  other  proposition 
directed  to  the  same  object,  or  even  a  modification  of 
that  which  is  offered.  G.  Britain  is  ready  to  enter  in- 
to the  same  engagements  with  respect  to  the  Indians 
living  within  her  line  of  demarkation,  as  -hat  which 
is  proposed  to  the  U.  States.  It  can  thercio/e,  only 
be  from  a  complete  misapprehension  of  the  proposi- 
tion, that  it  can  be  represented  as  being  not  reciprocal. 
Neither  can  it,  with  any  truth,  be  represented  as  con- 
trary to  the  acknowledged  principles  of  public  law, 
as  derogatory  to  the  honor,  or  inconsistent  with  the 
rights  of  the  American  government,  nor  as  a  demand 
required  to  be  admitted  without  discussion. 

After  this  full  exposition  of  the  sentiments  of  his 
Majesty's  government  on  the  points  above  stated,  it 
will  be  for  the  American  plenipotentianes  to  determine 
whether  they  are  ready  now  to  continue  the  negocia- 
tions  ;  whether  they  are  disposed  to  refer  to  their 
government  for  further  instructions  ;  or,  lastly,  wheth- 
er they  will  talre  upon  themselves  the  responsibility  of 
breabng  off  the  negociation  altogether. 


1  '  h 


lit 


': 


If     !; 


yj 


r  ■] 


asi 


APPENDIX. 


J         'J 


.;!.  i 


:\'\ 


.  i  i 


('■  •!. 


li 


Tbc  undersigned  request  the  American  Plenipu- 
tentiaries  to  accept  the  assurances  of  their  high  con< 
sideration. 

GAMBIER.       '     ' 
HENRY  GOULBURN, 
WM.  ADAMS. 


I  / 


The  American  to  the  British  Commissioners. 

Ghent,  Sept.  0th,  1814. 

The  undersigned  have  had  the  honor  to  receive 
thcnoteot'hisBi-itannic  Majesty's  Plenipotentiaries, 
dated  the  4th  inst.  If  in  the  tone,  or  substance  of  lh(; 
former  note  of  tlie  undersiened,  the  British  cummis- 
tioners  have  perceived  little  proof  of  any  disposition 
on  the  part  of  the  American  government,  for  a  dis- 
cussion of  some  of  the  propositions  advanced  in  the 
first  note,  which  the  undersigned  had  the  honor  of  re- 
ceiving from  them,  they  will  ascribe  it  to  the  nature  of 
the  propositions  themselves,  to  their  apparent  incom- 
uatibilily  with  the  assurances  in  lord  Castlereagb's 
letter  to  the  American  Secretary  of  state,  proposing 
the  negociaiion,  and  with  the  solemn  assurances  of  the 
British  Plenipotentiaries  themselves,  to  the  under- 
signed, at  their  first  conferences  with  them. 

The  undersigned,  in  reference  to  an  observation  of 
the  British  Plenipotentiaries,  must  be  allowed  to  say, 
that  the  objects  which  the  government  of  the  U.  States 
had  in  view,  have  not  been  withheld. 

The  subjects  considered  as  suitable  for  discussion 
were  fairly  brought  forward,  in  the  conference  of  the 
9th  nit.  and  the  terms  on  which  the  U.  States  were 
willing  to  conclude  the  peace,  were  frankly  and  ex- 
pressly declared  in  the  note  of  the  undersigned,  dated 
the  24th  ultimo.  It  had  been  confidently  hoped  that 
the  nature  of  those  terms,  so  evidently  framed  in  a 
spirit  of  conciliation,  would  have  induced  G.  Britain 
to  adopt  tliem  as  the  basis  of  a  treaty  ;  and  it  is  with 
deep  regret  that  the  undersigned,  if  they  have  rightly 
understood  the  meaning  of  the  last  note  pf  the  British 
Plenipotentiaries,  perceive  that  they  still  insist  on  the 
exciqsive  military  possession  of  the  lakes,  and  on  a 


APPENDIX. 


9«8 


! 


permanent  boundary  and  independent  territorory  for 
the  Indians  residing^  within  the  dominions  of  the  U. 
States. 

Tiie  Hrst  demand  is  grounded  on  the  supposition, 
that  the  American  government  has  manifested,  by  its 
proceedings  towards  Spain,  by  the  acquisition  of  Lou- 
isiana, by  the  purcliases  of  Indian  lands,  and  by  an 
avowed  intention  of  permanently  annexing  the  Cana- 
das  to  the  LT.  States,  a  spirit  of  aggrandizement  and 
conquest,  which  justittes  the  demand  of  extraordinary 
sacritices  from  them,  to  provide  for  the  security  of  tlie 
British  possessions  in  America. 

In  observations  which  the  undersigned  felt  it  their 
duty  to  make  on  the  new  demands  of  the  British 
government,  they  confined  their  animadversions  to 
the  nature  of  the  demands  themselves  :  they  did  not 
seek  for  illustrations  of  the  policy  of  G.  Britain  in  her 
conduct,  in  Various  quarters  ot  the  globe,  towards 
other  nations,  for  she  was  not  accountable  to  the  U. 
States.  Yet  the  undersigned  will  say,  that  their 
government  has  ever  been  ready  to  arrange,  in  tlie 
most  amicable  manner,  with  Spain,  the  questions  re- 
specting the  boundaries  of  Louisiana,  and  Florida,  and 
that  of  the  indemnities  acknowledged  by  Spain  du6 
to  American  citizens^  How  the  peaceable  acquisitiou 
of  Louisiana,  or  the  purchase  of  lands  within  the  ac- 
knowledged territories  of  the  U.  States,  both  made  by 
fair  and  voluntary  treaties  for  satisfactory  equivalents, 
can  be  ascribed  to  a  spirit  of  conquest  dangerous  to 
their  neighbors,  the  undersigned  are  altogether  at  a 
loss  to  understand. 

Nor  has  the  conquest  of  Canada,  and  its  permanent 
annexation  to  the  U.  States,  been  the  declared  object  of 
their  government.  From  the  commencement  of  the 
war  to  the  present  time,  the  American  government 
has  been  always  willing  to  make  peace,  without  ob- 
taining any  cession  of  territory,  and  on  the  sole  con- 
dition that  the  maritime  questions  might  be  satis- 
factorily arranged.  Such  was  their  disposition  in  the 
month  of  July,  1812,  when  they  instructed  Mr. 
Russell  to  make  the  proposal  of  an  armistice;  in  tbe 


If 


l-j!-' 


■i  ■: 


III 


ill 


'  f 


f 


I 


111 

■1 

!;l 

!i 

^iij 


;ir   „  j^ 


'i   ,;; 


Jii 


384 


APPINOIX. 


monlli  of  October  of  ilie  same  year,  when  Mr.  Mou 
roe  answered  Admiral  Warrcn'it  |)ru|)0.s»lt(  to  tht 
same  effect;  in  April,  1H13,  when  instruction!!  were 
given  to  three  of  tlie  undersigned  then  appointed  to 
treat  of  peace,  under  the  mediation  of  Russia ;  and 
in  JanUiiry,  1814,  when  the  instructions  under  which 
the  undersigned  are  now  acting,  were  prepart^d. 

The  proposition  of  the  British  plenipotentiaries  is, 
that,  in  order  to  secure  the  frontier  of  Canada  against 
attack,  the  U.  States  should  leave  their  own  without 
defence ;  aud  it  seems  to  be  forgotten,  that  if  their 
superior  population,  and  the  proximity  of  their  re- 
sources give  them  any  advantage  in  that  quarter,  it 
is  balanced  by  the  great  difference  between  the  mil- 
itary establishments  of  the  two  nations.     No  sudden 
invasion  of  Canada  by  the  U.  States  could  be  made, 
>vithout  leaving  on  their  Atlantic  shores,  and  on  the 
ocean,  exposed  to  the  great  superiority  of  the  British 
force,  a  mass  of  American  property  far  more  valuable 
than  Canada.    In  her  relative  superior  force  to  that 
of  the  U.  States  in  every  other  quarter,  Great-Britain 
may  find  a  pledge  much  more  effacacious  for  the  safety 
of  a  single  vulnerable  point,  than  in  stipulations  ru- 
inous to   the  interests  and  degrading  to  the  honor  of 
America.     The  best  security  for  the  possessions  of 
both  countries  will,  however,  bo  found  in  an  equal 
and  solid  peace ;  in  a  mutual  respect  for  the  rights  of 
each  other,  and  in  the  cultivation  of  a  friendly  under- 
standing between  them.     If  there  be  any  source  of 
jealousy  in  relation  to  Canada  itself,    it  will  be  found 
to  exist  solely   in  the  undue   interference  of  trailers 
and  agents,  which  may  be  easily  removed  by  propei' 
restraints. 

The  only  American  forts  on  the  lakes  known  to 
have  been,  at  the  commencement  of  the  negociation, 
held  by  British  force,  are  Michilimackinac  and  Ni- 
agara. As  the  U.  States  were,  ut  the  same  lime,  in 
possession  of  Aniherstburg  aud  the  adjacent  counlry 
it  is  not  perceived  that  the  mere  occupation  of  those 
two  forts  could  give  any  claim  to  his  Britannic  ma- 
jesty to  large  cessions  of  territory,  founded  upon  the 


APPENDIX. 


385 


right  of  conquest ;  and  the  undersigned  inny  be  per- 
mitted to  add,  that  even  if  the  chances  of  war  should 
yield  to  the  British  arms  a  momentary  possession  of 
other  parts  of  the  territories  of  the  tJ.  States  such 
events  would  not  alter  their  view  with  regard  to  the 
terms  of  pence  to  which  they  would  give  their  consent. 
Without  recurring  to  examples  drawn  from  the  re- 
volutionary governments  of  France,  or  to  a  more  re- 
cent and  illustrious  triumph  of  fortitude  in  adversity, 
they  have  been  taught  by  their  own  history  that  the 
occupation  of  their  principal  cities  would  produce  no 
despondency,  nor  induce  their  submission  to  the  dis- 
meinljerment  of  their  empire,  or  to  the  abandonment 
of  any  one  of  the  rights  which  constitute  a  part  of 
their  national  independence. 

The  general  position,  that  it  was  consistent  with 
the  principle  of  public  law,  and  with  the  practice  of 
civilized  nations,  to  include  allies  in  a  treaty  of  peace, 
and  to  provide  for  their  security,  never  was  called  in 
question  by  the  undersigned.  But  they  have  denied 
the  right  of  Great-Britain,  according  to  those  princi- 
ples and  her  own  practice,  to  interfere  in  any  man- 
ner with  Indian  tribes  residing  within  the  territories 
of  the  U.  States,  as  acknowledged  by  lierself,  to  con- 
sider such  tribes  as  her  allies,  or  to  treat  for  them  with 
the  U.  States.  Tliey  will  not  repeat  the  facts  and 
arguments  already  brought  forward  by  them  in  sup- 
port of  this  position,  and  which  remain  unanswered. 
The  observations  made  by  the  British  plenipotentia- 
ries on  the  treaty  of  Greenville,  and  their  assertion 
that  the  U.  States  now,  for  the  first  time,  deny  the 
absolute  independence  of  the  Indian  tribes,  and  claim 
the  exclusive  right  of  purchasing  their  lands,  require, 
however,  some  notice. 

If  the  U.  States  had  now  asserted,  that  the  Indians 
within  their  boundaries,  who  have  acknowledged  the 
U.  States  as  their  only  protectors  were  their  subjects, 
living  only  at  sufierance  on  their  lands,  far  from  being 
the  first  in  making  that  assertion,  they  would  only 
have  followed  the  example  on  the  principles,  uni- 
49 


I  ■     ■ 


ii.|l 


■'  7 


I    i! 


use 


APPENDIX. 


i  '  i 


■J    !' 


i 
'I 


[     ! 


!   It 


;  J 


fornily  and  invariably  awerted  in  substance,  and  tVe> 
quently  avowed  in  express  terms  by  the  British  gov- 
erninent  itself.    What  was  the  meaning  of  all  the 
colonial  charters  granted  by  the   British  monarchy, 
from  that  of  Virginia,  by  Elizabeth,  to  that  of  Georgia, 
by  the  immediate  predecessor  of  the  present  king,  if 
the  Indians  were  the  sovereigns  and   proprietors  of 
the  lands  bestowed  by  those  charters  ?     What  was 
the  meaning  of  that  article  in  the  treaty   of  Utrecht, 
by  which  the  five  nations  were  described,  in  terms,  as 
subject  io  the  dominion  of  Great  Britain  ?  or  that  of 
the  treaty  with  the  Cherokees,  by  which  it  was  de- 
clai>ed  that  the  king  ok  Great  Britain  granted  them 
the  privilege  to  live  where  they  pleased,  if  those  sub- 
jects were  independent  sovereigns,  and  if  these  ten- 
ants, at  the  licence  of  the  British  king,  were  the  right- 
ful  lords  of  the  lands  where  he  granted  them  permis- 
sion to  live  ?    What  was  the  meaning  of  that  procla- 
mation of  his  present  Britannic  majesty    issued  in 
1763,  declaring  all  purchases  of  lands  from  the  In- 
dians null  and  void,  unless  made  by  treaties  held  un- 
der the  sanction  of  his  majesty's  government,  if  the 
Indians  had  the  right  to  sell  their  lands  to  whom  they 
pleased?    What  was  the  meaning  of  boundary  lines 
of  American  territories,  in  all  the  treaties  of  G.  Bri- 
tain with  other  European  pcwers  having  American 
possessions,  particularly  in  the   treaty  of  1763,  by 
which  slie  acquired  from  France  the  sovereignty  and 
possession  of  the  Canadas ;  in  her  treaty  of  peace  with 
the  U.  States  in  1783 ;  nay,  what  is  the  meaning  ol 
the  north  western  boundary  line  now  proposed  by  the 
British  commissioners  themselves,  if  it  is  the  rightful 
possession  and  sovereignty  of  independent  Indians, 
of  which  these   boundaries  dispose  i*  Is  it  indeed,  ne- 
cessary to  ask,  whether  Great  Britain  ever  has  per- 
mitted, or  would  permit,  any  foreign  nation,  or  with- 
out her  consent,  any  of  her  subjects,  to  acquire  lauds 
from  the  Indians,  in  the  territories  of  the  Hudson  bay 
company,   or   in  Canada?     In  formally   protesting 
agamst  this  system,  it  is  not  against  a  novel  preten- 
sion of  the  Am<L'rican  government,  it  is  against  the 


:'in\ 


APPBNmX. 


387 


most  solemn  acts  of  their  own  sovereigns,  against  Ihe 
royal  proclamations,  charters,  and  treaties  of  G.  Bri- 
tain, for  more  than  two  centuries,  from  the  first  settle- 
ment of  North  America  to  tlie  present  day,  that  the 
British  plenipotentiaries  protest. 

From  the  rigor  of  this  system,  however,  as  practis- 
ed by  Gre&t-Britain,  and  all  oilier  Euro|)ean  powers 
in  Ameri'^a,  the  humane  and  liberal  policy  of  the  U. 
States  has  voluntarily  relaxed.  A  celebrated  writer 
on  the  laws  of  nations,  to  whose  authority  British  ju- 
rists have  taken  particular  satisfaction  in  appealing, 
after  stating,  in  the  most  explicit  manner,  the  legit- 
imacy of  colonial  settlements  in  America,  the  exclu- 
sion of  all  rights  of  uncivilized  Indian  tribes,  has  tak- 
en occasion  to  praise  the  first  settlers  of  New-Eng- 
land, and  the  founder  of  Pennsylvania,  in  having  pur- 
chased of  the  Indians  the  lands  they  resolved  to  cul- 
tivate ,  notwithstanding  their  being  furnished  with  a 
charter  from  their  sovereign.  It  is  this  example, 
which  the  U.  States,  sinqe  they  became  by  their  in- 
dependence, the  sovereigns  of  the  territory,  have 
adopted  and  organized  into  a  political  system.  Un- 
der that  system,  the  Indians  residing  within  the  U. 
States  are  so  far  independent  that  they  live  under 
their  own  customs,  and  not  under  the  laws  of  the  U. 
States ,  that  their  rights  upon  tlie  lands  where  they 
inhabit,  or  hunt,  are  secured  to  them  by  boundaries  de- 
fined in  amicable  treaties  between  the  U.  States  and 
themselves ;  and  that  whenever  those  boundaries  were 
varied,  it  is  also  by  amicable  and  voluntary  treaties,  by 
which  they  receive  from  the  U.  States  ample  compeii'* 
sation  for  every  right  they  have  to  the  lands  ceded  to 
them.  They  are  so  far  dependent  as  not  to  have  the 
right  to  dispose  of  their  lands  to  private  persons,  nor 
to  any  power  other  than  the  United  States,  and  to  be 
utider  their  protection  alone,  and  not  under  that  of 
any  other  power.  Whether  called  subjects,  or  by 
whatever  name  designated,  such  is  the  relation  be- 
tween them  and  the  United  States. — That  relation  is 
neither  asserted  now  for  the  first  time,  nor  did  it  ori- 
g^iuale  with  the  treaty  of  Greenville.    These  princi- 


I 


i 


: 


)) 


'c  . 


!■ 


BS8 


APP8NOIX. 


Id, 


pies  liave  been  uniformly  recogfnized  by  the  Iiulians 
themselves,  not  only  by  that  trenty,  but  in  all  the  oth- 
er previous  as  well  as  subsequent  treaties  between 
them  and  the  U.  States. 

The  treaty  of  Greenville  neither  took  from  the  In- 
dians the  right,  which  they  had  not,  of  selling  lands 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  U.  States  to  foreign 
governments  or  subjects,  nor  ceded  to  them  the  right 
of  exercising  exclusive  jurisdiction  within  the  boun- 
dary line  assigned.  It  was  merely  declaratory  of 
the  public  law  in  relation  to  the  parties,  founded  on 
principles  previously  and  universally  recognized.  It 
left  to  the  U.  States  the  rights  of  exercising  sove- 
reignty and  of  acquiring  soil,  and  bears  no  analogy 
to  the  proposition  of  Great  Britain  which  requires  the 
abandonment  of  both. 

The  British  plenipotentiaries  state  in  their  last  note, 
that  Great  Britain  is  ready  to  enter  into  the  same  en- 
gagement with  respect  to  the  Indians  living  within 
her  line  of  demarkation,  ieis  that  which  is  proposed  to 
the  U.  States. — ^Tlie  undersigned  will  not  dwell  on 
the  immense  inequality  of  value  between  the  two  ter- 
ritories, winch  under  such  an  arrangement,  would  be 
assigned,  by  each  nation  respectively  to  the  Indians, 
and  which  alone  would  make  the  reciprocity  merely 
nominal.  The  condition  which  would  be  thus  imposed 
on  Great  Britain  not  to  acquire  lands  in  Canada  from 
the  Indians,  would  be  productive  of  no  advantage  to 
the  U.  States,  and  is,  therefore,  no  equivalent  for  the 
sacrifice  required  of  them.  They  do  not  consider 
that  it  belongs  to  the  U.  States  in  any  respect  to  in- 
terfere with  the  concerns  of  Great  Britain  in  her 
American  possessions,  or  with  her  policy  towards 
the  Indians  residing  there :  and  they  cannot  consent 
to  any  interference,  on  the  part  of  Great  Britain,  with 
their  own  concerns,  and  particularly  with  the  Indians 
living  within  their  territories.  It  may  be  the  inter- 
est of  G.  Britain  to  limit  her  settlements  in  Canada 
to  their  present  extent,  and  to  leave  the  country  to 
ihe  West  a  perpetual  wilderness,  to  be  for  ever  in- 
habited by  scattered  tribes  of  hunters  :  but  it  would 


"  »i 


APPENDIX. 


389 


inBict  a  vital  injury  on  the  U.  States  to  have  a  lino 
run  through  her  territory,  beyond  which  her  settle- 
ments should  for  ever  be  precluded  from  extending, 
thereby  arresting  the  natural  growth  of  her  popula- 
tion and  strength  ;  placing  the  Indians  substantially, 
by  virtue  of  th**  proposed  guarantee,  under  the  pro- 
tection of  G.  Britain ;  dooming  them  to  perpetual 
barbarism,  and  leaving  an  extensive  frontier  for  ever 
exposed  to  their  savage  incursions. 

With  respect  to  the  mere  question  of  peace  with 
the  Indians,  the  undersigned  have  already  explicitly 
assured  the  British  plenipotentiaries  that  so  far  as  it 
depended  on  the  U.  States,  it  would  immediately 
and  necessarily  follow  a  peace  with  G.  Britain.  If 
this  be  her  sole  object,  no  provision  in  the  treaty  to 
that  effect  is  necessary.  Provided  the  Indians  will 
now  consent  to  it,  peace  will  immediately  be  made 
^ith  them,  and  they  will  be  reinstated  in  the  same 
situation  in  which  they  stood  before  the  commence- 
ment of  hostilities.  Should  a  continuance  of  the  war 
compel  the  U.  States  to  alter  their  policy  towards  the 
Indians,  who  may  still  take  the  part  of  i>.  Britain, 
they  alone  must  be  responsible  for  the  consequences 
of  her  own  act  in  having  induced  them  to  withdraw 
themselves  from  the  protection  of  the  U.  States. 
The  employment  of  Ravages,  whose  known  rule  of 
warfare  is  the  indiscriminate  torture  and  butchery  of 
women,  children,  and  pri8oners>  is  itself  a  departure 
from  the  principles  of  humanity  observed  between  all 
civilized  and  christian  nations,  even  in  war. 

The  U.  States  have  constantly  protested,  and  still 
protest  against  it  as  an  unjustihable  aggravation  of 
the  calamities  and  horrors  of  war. — Of  the  peculiar 
atrocities  of  Indian  warfare,  the  allies  of  G.  Britain 
in  whose  behalf  she  now  demands  sacrifices  of  the  U. 
States,  have  during  the  present  war,  shewn  many  de- 
plorable examples.  Among-  them,  the  massacre  in 
cold  blood,  of  wounded  prisoners,  and  the  refusal  of 
the  rights  of  burial  to  the  dead,  under  the  eyes  of 
British  officers  who  could  only  plead  their  inability 
to  controul  these   savage   auxiliaries,  have  been  re- 


I 


•  .1 


'    1 


l\ 


'I' 


I 


i-i 


i  . 


h^w-k 


}■    ■   I 


k  !'■ 


"IN 


i"  I  ; 


I 


a9u 


APPENDIX* 


peated,  and  are  notorious  to  the  world.  Tlie  United 
States  might  at  all  times  have  employed  the  same 
kind  of  force  against  G.  Britain,  to  a  greater  extent 
than  it  was  in  her  power  to  employ  it  against  them ; 
but  from  their  reluctance  to  resort  to  means  so  abhor- 
rent to  the  natural  feelings  of  humanity*  they  abstain- 
ed from  the  use  of  them  until  compelled  to  the  alter- 
native of  employing  themselves  Indians,  who  «Uher- 
wise  would  have  been  drawn  into  the  ranks  of  their 
enemies.  The  undersigned  suggesting  to  tlie  British 
plenipotentiaries  the  propriety  of  an  article  by  which 
G-  Britain  and  the  U.  States  should  reciprocally 
stipulate  never  hereafter,  if  Uiey  should  be  again  at 
-war,  to  employ  savages  in  it,  believe  that  it  would  be 
infinitely  more  honorable  to  the  humanity  and  chris- 
tian temper  of  both  parties,  more  advanbigeous  to  the 
Indians  tliemselves,  and  better  adapted  to  secure  their 
permanent  peace,  tranquility,  and  progressive  civil- 
ization, than  tlie  boundary  proposed  by  the  British 
plenipotentiaries.  , ,  ^ ^l^ mni  in  ■■  > ",m 

With  regard  to  the  cession  of  a  part  of  the  district 
of  Maine,  as  to  which  the  British  plenipotentiaries 
are  unable  to  reconcile  the  objections  made  by  the 
undersigned  with  their  previous  declaration,  they 
have  the  honor  to  observe,  that  at  tlie  conference  of 
the  8th  ult.  the  British  plenipotentiaries  stated  as  one 
of  the  subjects  suitable  for  discussion,  a  revision  of  the 
boundary  line  between  the  Bi'itish  and  American  ter- 
ritories, with  a  view  to  prevent  uncertainty  and  dis- 
pute: and  that  it  was  on  the  point  thus  stated,  that 
the  undersigned  declared  that  they  were  provided 
with  instructions  from  their  government;  a  declara- 
tion which  did  not  imply  that  they  were  instructed 
to  make  any  cession  of  territory  in  any  quarter,  or 
agree  to  a  revision  of  the  line,  or  to  any  exchange  of 
territory,  where  no  uncertainty  or  dispute  existed. 

The  undersigned  perceive  no  uncertainty  or  mat- 
ter of  doubt  in  the  treaty  of  1783,  with  respect  to  that 
part  of  the  boundarv  of  the  district  of  Maine  which 
would  be  affected  by  the  proposal  of  G.  Britain  on 
that  subject.    They  never  have  understood  that  the 


l^Hi 


.     The  United 
[>yed  the  same 
greater  extent 
against  them ; 
leans  so  abhor- 
y,  they  abstain- 
ed to  the  alter- 
1)8,  who  other- 
ranks  of  their 
gtotlie  British 
tide  by   which 
lid  reciprocally 
aid  be  again  at 
hat  it  would  be 
nity  and  chris- 
iitsigeous  to  the 
1  to  secure  their 
rogressive  civil- 
by  the  British 

|t  of  the  district 
plenipotentiaries 
IS  made  by  the 
eclaration,  they 
e  conference  of 
«  stated  as  one 
a  revision  of  the 
American  ter- 
;ainty  and  dis- 
|u8  stated,  that 
were  provided 
lilt;  adeclara- 
ere  instructed 
[iiy  quarter,  or 
ly  exchange  of 
ite  existed, 
rtainty  or  mat- 
respect  to  that 
Maine  which 
G.   Britain  on 
fstood  that  the 


APPENDIX. 


391 


i^ii 


British  plenipotentiaries  who  signed  that  treaty,  had 
contemplated  a  boundary  different  from  that  fixed  by 
the  treaty;  and  which  requires  nothing  more,  in  or- 
der to  be  definitely  ascertained,  than  to  be  surveyed 
in  conformity  with  its  provisions.  This  subject  not 
having  been  a  matter  of  uncertainty  or  dispute,  the 
undersigned  are  not  instructed  upon  it ;  and  they  can 
have  no  authority  to  cede  any  part  of  the  state  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, even  for  what  the  British  government 
might  consider  a  fair  equivalent. 

In  regard  to  the  boundary  of  the  northwestern 
frontier,  so  soon  as  the  proposition  of  Indian  bound* 
ary  is  disposed  of,  the  undersigned  have  no  objec- 
tion, with  the  exi^anation  given  by  the  British  Ple- 
nipotentiaries in  their  last  note,  to  discuss  the  subject. 

The  undersigned,  in  their  former  note,  stated  with 
frankness,  and  will  now  repeat,  that  the  two  propo- 
sitions, Ist,  of  assigning  in  the  proposed  treaty  of 
peace  a  definite  boundary  to  the  Indians  living  with- 
in the  limits  of  the  United  States,  beyond  which 
boundary  they  should  stipulate  not  to  acquire,  by  pur- 
chase or  otherwise,  any  territory ;  2dly,  of  securing 
the  exclusive  military  possession  of  the  lakes  to  Great- 
Britain,  are  both  inadmissible ;  and  that  they  cannot 
subscribe  to,  and  would  deem  it  useless  to  refer  to  their 
government,  any  arrangement,  even  provisional,  con- 
taining either  of  these  propositions.  With  this  un- 
derstanding, tlie  undersigned  are  now  ready  to  con- 
tinue the  negociation ;  and  as  they  have  already  ex- 
pressed, to  discuss  all  the  points  of  difference,  oi- 
which  might  hereafter  tend  in  any  degree  lo  inteiTupt 
the  harmony  of  the  two  countries. 

The  undersigned  request  the  British  plenipoten- 
tiaries to  accept  the  assurance  of  their  high  conside- 
ration. 

J.  a.  ADAMS.     ,/   k      I  JONA.  RUSSEIJ., 
J.  A.  BAYARD.  *   s  ^      |  A.  GALLATIN. 


II,  CLAY, 


I' 


1-. 


.'R* 


; 


;.  »-uf  -t/';*!  '*','i»^s4  a.'.'-i-t'    "ii- 


fl 


i  il 


i) 


li 


\  ,1 


V  I   t 


'■I'    ''li. 


1  ^ 

t 

;           j 

I' 

,  '^i  ' 

1 

^1^^ 

■  i  i  i 

392 


APPENDIX. 


■'■■'■  The  British  to  the  American  Commissioneri, 

Ghent,  Sept.  19th*  1814. 
The  nndersigned  have  the  honor  to  acknowledfif* 
the  receipt  of  the  note  addressed  to  them    by  the 
American  plenipotentiaries, on  the  9th  inst. 

On  the  greater  part  of  that  note,  the  undersigned 
have  no  intention  to  make  comments,  having  pro- 
posed to  themselves  throughout  the  negociation  to 
avoid  all  unnecessary  discussions,  more  especially 
when  tending  to  create  irritation. 

On  the  question  of  the  northwestern  frontiers,  tliey 
are  happy  to  find  that  no  material  difficulty  is  likely 
to  arise. 

With  respect  to  the  boundary  of  the  District  of 
Maine,  the  undersigned  observe  with  regret,  that 
although  the  American  plenipotentiaries  nave  ac- 
knowledged themselves  to  be  instructed  to  discuss  a 
revision  of  the  boundary  line,  with  a  view  to  prevent 
uncertainty  and  dispute,  yet,  by  assuming  an  exclu- 
sive right  at  once  to  decide  what  is  or  is  not  a  subject 
of  uncertainty  and  dispute,  they  have  rendered  their 
power)  nugatory  or  inadmissibly  partial  in  their  ope- 
ration. -  ■  :/  i- 

After  the  declaration  made  by  the  American  ple- 
nipotentiaries, that  the  U.  States  will  admit  of  no  line 
of  boundary  between  their  territory  and  that  of  the 
Indian  nations,  because  the  natural  growth  and  popu- 
lation of  the  U.  States  would  be  thereby  arrested,  it 
becomes  unnecessary  further  to  insist  on  the  proof  of 
a  spirit  of  aggrandii^cment  afforded  by  the  purchase 
of  Louisiana  from  France,  against  the  known  con- 
ditions on  which  it  had  been  ceded  by  Spain  to  thai 
country,  or  the  hostile  seizure  of  a  great  part  of  the 
Floridas,  under  a  pretence  of  a  dispute  respecting  the 
boundary. 

The  reason  given  by  tlie  American  plenipotentia- 
ries for  this  declaration,  equally  applies  to  the  assign- 
ment of  a  boundary  to  the  U.  states  on  any  side,  with 
whatever  view  proposed ;  and  the  unlimited  nature 
of  the  pretension  would  alone  have  justified  G.  Bri- 
tain in  seeking  more  effectual  securities  against  itfi 


vv  r 


APPENDIX. 


803 


imisaionerit 
i.  19lh^  1814. 
to  acknowledsfft 
o  them    by  the 
h  inst. 

;he  undersigned 
ts,  having  pro> 
!  negociation  to 
more  especially 

'n  frontiers,  tliey 
ifficulty  is  likely 

the  District  of 
ith  regret,  that 
tiaries  nave  ac- 
;ted  to  discuss  a 
view  to  prevent 
iming  an  exclu- 
tr  is  not  a  subject 
e  rendered  their 
ial  in  their  ope- 

American  ple> 

admit  of  no  line 

and  that  of  the 

rowth  and  popu- 

reby  arrested,  it 

on  the  proof  of 
by  the  purchase 
tlie  known  con- 
>y  Spain  to  that 
real  part  of  the 
te  respecting  the 

,n  plenipotentia- 
es  to  the  assign- 
on  any  side,  with 
inlimited  nature 
ustified  G.  Bri- 
'ities  against  it(i 


application  to  Canadr.,  thnn  any  wiilvh  the  under- 
signed have  had  the  honor  to  propose. 

Had  the  American  plenipotentiaries  been  instruct- 
ed on  the  subject  of  Canada,  they  would  not  have 
asserted  that  its  permanent  annexation  had  not  been 
(he  declared  object  of  their  government.  It  has  been 
distinctly  avowed  to  be  such  at  different  times,  par- 
ticularly by  two  American  generals  on  their  respect- 
ive invasions  of  Canada,  if  the  declaration  first 
made  had  been  disapproved,  it  would  not  have  been 
repealed.  The  declarations  here  referred  to  are  to 
be  found  in  the  proclamation  of  general  Hull,  in  Ju- 
ly, 1812,  and  of  general  Smyth,  in  November,  1812, 
copies  of  which  are  hereunto  annexed. 

It  must  be  also  from  the  want  of  instructions  that 
the  American  plenipotentiaries  have  been  led  to  as- 
sert that  G.  Britain  has  induced  the  Indians  to  with- 
draw from  the  protection  of  the  U.  States.  The 
government  of  the  U.  Slates  cannot  have  forgotten 
that  Great-Britain,  so  far  from  inducing  the  Indiuns 
to  withdi'aw  themselves  from  the  protection  of  the 
U.  States,  gave  the  earliest  infornialiou  of  the  inten- 
tion of  those  nations  to  invade  the  U.  States,  and  ex- 
erted her!»elf,  though  without  success,  to  prevent  and 
appease  their  hostility.  The  In<Jian  nations,  how- 
ever, having  experienced,  as  they  thought,  oppression, 
instead  of  protection  from  the  U.  Stales,  declared 
war  against  them  previously  to  the  declaration  of  war 
by  that  country  against  G.  Britain.  The  treaty  by 
which  the  Indians  placed  themselves  under  the  pro- 
tection of  the  U.  States,  is  now  abrogated,  and  the 
American  government  cannot  be  entitled  to  claim, 
as  a  right,  the  renewal  of  an  article  in  a  treaty,  which 
has  no  longer  any  existence.  The  Indian  nations 
are  therefore  no  longer  to  be  considered  as  under  the 
protection  of  the  United  States,  (whatever  may  be 
the  import  of  that  term)  and  it  can  only  be  on  the 
ground  that  they  are  regarded  as  subjects,  that  the 
A^tnerican  plenipotentiaries  can  be  authorized  to  deny 
the  right  of  Great-Britain  to  interfere  on  their  behrtlt" 
60 


\' 


ri 


d04 


APPENDIX. 


I     ::i 


ill  the  ncgocialioiiii  for  pence.  To  any  :;ucli  claiiniV 
it  is  repeated,  that  the  treaties  concluded  with  them«i 
and  particularly  that  of  Greenville,  are  in  direct  op- 
position. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  recur  to  the  manner  in  which 
the  territory  of  the  United  States  was  at  first  settle'd, 
in  order  to  decide,  whether  the  Indian  nations,  the 
original  inhabitants  of  America,  shall  h:\\e  some  spot 
assigned  to  them,  where  they  may  be  permitted  to 
live  in  tranquility  ;  nor  whether  their  tranquility  can 
be  secured  without  preventing  an  uninterrupted  sys- 
tem of  encroachment  upon  them  under  the  pretence 
of  purchase. 

If  the  American  plenipotentiaries  are  authorized 
peremptorily  to  deny  the  right  of  the  British  govern- 
ment to  interfere  with  the  pacification  of  the  Indian 
nations,  and  for  that  reason  refuse  ail  negociations 
on  the  subject,  the  undersigned  are  at  a  loss  to  under- 
stand, upon  what  prmciple  it  was,  that  at  the  confer- 
ence of  the  0th  ultimo,  the  American  plenipotentia- 
ries invited  discussion  on  the  subject,  and  added,  that 
it  was  not  possible  for  them  to  decide  without  discus- 
sion, whether  an  article  could  be  framed  which  should 
be  mutually  satisfactory,  and  to  which  Ihey  should 
think  themselves,  under  their  discretionary  powers, 
warranted  in  acceding. 

The  undersigned  must  further  observe,  that  if  the 
American  government  has  not  furnished  their  pleni- 
potentiaries with  any  instructions  since  January  last, 
when  the  general  pacification  of  Europe  could  not 
have  been  immediately  in  contemplation,  this  subse- ' 
quent  silence,  after  an  event  so  calculated  (even  in 
the  view  which  the  American  plenipotentiaries  have 
taken  of  it,  in  their  note  of  the  24th  ult.)  to  influ- 
ence the  negociation,  is,  to  say  the  least,  no  proof  of 
a  sincere  desire  to  bring  it  to  a  favorable  conclusion. 
The  British  government  has  entered  into  the  negoci- 
ation with  an  anxious  wish  to  effect  an  amicable  ar- 
rangement. After  convulsions  unexampled  in  their 
nature,  extent,  and  duration,  the  civilized  wqrid  has 
Deed  of  repose.    To  obtain  this  in  Europe,  G.  Bi'i- 


ny  jucli  clainiv 
ided  with  them^ 
re  in  direct  op- 

lanner  in  which 
at  iii'st  settie'd, 
nn  nations,  the 
hiwe  some  spot 
e  permitted  to 
tranquility  can 
nterrupted  sys- 
er  the  pretence 

are  authorized 
British  goverii- 
of  the  Indian 
II  negociations 
a  loss  to  under- 
t  at  the  confer- 
I  plenipotentia- 
nd  added,  that 
without  discus- 
d  which  should 
h  they  should 
onary  powers, 

've,  that  if  the 
ed  their  pleni- 
3  January  last, 
ope  could  not 
)n,  this  subse- ' 
lated  (even  in 
tentiaries  have 
ult.)  to  influ- 
it,  no  proof  of 
)le  conclusion, 
ito  the  negoci- 
n  amicable  ar> 
inpled  in  Iheir 
ted  wqrld  has 
irope,  G.  Bi'i- 


AVTEVDIK. 


9QA 


tain  lias  made  considerable  sacrifices.  To  complete 
the  work  of  general  pacification,  it  is  her  earnest  wish 
to  establish  a  peace  with  the  U.  States,  and  in  her  en- 
deavors to  accomplish  this  object,  to  manifest  the 
same  principles  of  moderation  and  forbearance ;  but 
it  IS  utterly  inconsistent  with  her  pi'actice  and  her 
principles  ever  to  abandon  in  her  negociations  for 
peace,  those  who  have  co-operated  with  her  in  war. 

The  undersigned,  'Iherefore,  repeat,  thatihe  British 
government  is  willing  to  sign  a  tiieaty  of  peace  with 
Uie  U.  States  on  terms  honorable  to  bot}i  parties.  U 
has  not  offered  any  terms  which  the  U.  States  caw 
justly  represent  as  derogatory  to  their  honor,  nor  can 
it  be  induced  to  accede  to  any  which  ai'e  injurious  to 
its  own.  It  is  on  this  ground  that  the  undersigned  iwe 
authorized  distinctly  to  declare,  that  they  are  instruct- 
ed not  to  sign  a  treaty  of  peace  with  the  plenipoten- 
tiaries of  the  U.  States,  unless  the  Indian  natioris  are 
included  in  it,  and  restored  to  all  the  rights,  privile- 
ges, and  territories,  which  they  enjoyed  in  tue  year 
1811,  previous  to  the  commencement  of  the  war, 
by  virtue  of  the  treaty  of  Greenville,  and  the  treaties 
subsequently  concluded  between  them  and  the  United 
States.  From  this  point  the  firUiih  plenipotentiaries 
cannot  depart. 

They  are  further  instructed  to  offer  for  discussion 
an  article  by  which  the  contracting  parties  shall  re- 
ciprocally bind  themselves,  according  to  boundaries 
to  be  agreed  upon,  not  to  purchase  the  lands  occu- 
pied by  the  Indians  within  their  respective  lines  of 
demarcation.  By  making  this  engagement  subject 
to  revision  at  the  expiration  of  a  given  period,  it  is 
hooted  that  the  objection  to  the  establishment  of  a 
boundary  beyond  which  the  settlement  of  the  United 
States  should  be  forever  excluded,  may  be  effectual- 
ly obviated. 

The  undersigned  have  never  stated  that  the  exclu- 
sive military  possessions  on  the  lakes,  however  con- 
ducive they  are  satisfied  it  would  be  to  a  good  under- 
standing between  the  two  countries,  without  endan- 
gering the  security  of  the  U.  States,  was  to  be  coii<« 


iil 


lit 


■  \ 


LJmJ 


I  I'' 


^. 


t1ii„ 


1 

1 

i 

j 

i  ; 

i  i 

!       . 

;  i 

hi 

'    it 

1  i  .<  1   -■   r 

' :  ': 

m 

y 

\ji 

d96 


APPKNDIX. 


sideredaH  aKinu  qua  non  in  the  negociation.  Wiien- 
ever  the  qutislion  relative  to  the  paciticatioii  of  the 
Indian  nations  (which,  subject  to  the  explanatio ns 
already  given,  is  a  sine  qua  non,)  shall  be  adjusted, 
the  undersigned  will  be  authorized  to  make  a  tinal 
proposition  on  the  subject  of  Canadian  boundarii^s, 
so  entirely  founded  on  principles  of  moderation  and 
justice,  that  they  feel  confident  it  cannot  be  rejected. 
This  proposition  will  be  distinctly  stated  by  the  un- 
dersigned, upon  receiving  an  assurance  from  the 
American  plenipotentiaries  that  they  consider  them- 
selves authorized  to  conclude  a  provisional  article  on 
the  subject,  and  upon  their  previously  consenting  to 
include  the  Indian  nations  in  the  treaty,  in  tlii*  man- 
ner above  described. 

The  undersigned  avail  themselves  of  this  oppor- 
tunity ofrenewingtothe  American  plenipotentiaries, 
the  assurance  of  their  high  consideration. 

GAMBIER, 
•       '       ,         HENRY  GOULBURN, 

WILLIAM  ADAMS. 

The  American  to  the  British  Commissioners* 

Ghent,  Sept.  26,  1814. 
In  replying  to  the  note  which  the  undersigned 
Iiave  bad  the  honor  of  receiving  from  his  Britannic 
majesty's  plenipotentiaries,  dated  on  the.  19th  inst. 
they  are  happy  to  concur  with  thera  in  the  sentiment 
of  avoiding  unnecessary  discussions,  especially  such 
as  may  have  a  tendency  to  create  irritation.  They 
had  hoped  that,  in  the  same  spirit,  the  British  pleni- 
potentiaries would  not  have  thought  allusions  again 
necessary  to  transactions  foreign  to  this  negociation, 
relating  to  the  United  States,  and  other  independent 
nations,  and  not  suitable  for  discussion  between  the 
United  States  and  Great-Britain.  The  observation 
made  with  respect  to  Louisiana  is  the  more  extraor- 
dinary, as  the  cession  of  that  province  to  the  United 
States  was,  at  the  time,  communicated  to  the  British 
government,  who  expressed  their  entire  satisfaction 
with  it,  and  has  subsequently  received  the  solemn 


n )  1 


APPENDIX. 


397 


ilion.  Wlien- 
cation  of  the 
explanations 
be  adjusted, 
make  a  tinal 
I  boundaries, 
>dei-utiou  and 
t  be  rejected. 
id  by  the  un- 
uce  from  the 
Dusider  thcui- 
inal  article  on 
consenting  to 
,  in  tlir  man- 

sf  this  oppor- 
nipotentiaries, 

n.  .   . 

JLBURN, 

DAMS. 


itanction  of  Spain  hetKelf.  The  undersigned  will 
further  say,  that  whenever  the  iraiisacliuns  of  the  V. 
States,  in  relation  to  the  boundaries  of  Louisiana  and 
Florida,  shall  be  a  proper  subject  of  discussion,  tliey 
will  be  found  not  only  susceptible  of  complete  justi- 
tioation,  but  will  demonstrate  the  moderation  and 
forbearance  of  the  American  government,  and  their 
imdeviatingrespect  for  the  rights  of  their  neighbors. 

The  usidersigned  are  far  from  assuming  the  ex- 
clusive right  to  decide,  what  is,  or  is  not,  a  subject 
of  uncertainty  and  dispute,  with  regard  to  the  bound- 
ary of  the  District  of  Maine.  But  until  the  British 
plenipotentiaries  shall  have  shown  in  what  respect  the 
part  of  that  boundary  which  would  be  affected  by 
th6ir  proposal,  is  such  a  subject,  the  undersigned 
mav  be  permitted  to  asset  t  that  it  is  not. 

The  treaty  of  1783  described  the  boundary  as*  a 
line  to  be  drawn  along  tUe  middle  of  the  river  St. 
Croix,  from  its  moulh  in  the  bay  of  Fundy,  to  its 
source,  and  from  its  source  directly  north  to  the  high- 
lands which  divide  the  rivers  that  tall  into  the  Atlan- 
tic ocean  from  those  which  fall  into  the  siver  St. 
Lawrence,  and  thence  along  the  said  highlands  to  the 
north  westernmost  head  of  Connecticut  river.' 

Donbts  having  arisen  as  to  the  St.  Croix  designa- 
ted in  the  treaty  of  1783,  a  provision  was  made  by 
that  of  1794  for  ascertaining  it :  and  it  may  be  fairly 
inferred,  from  the  limitation  of  the  article  to  that 
sole  object,  that  even  in  the  judgment  of  G.  Britain, 
no  other  subject  of  controversy  existed  in  relation  to 
the  extension  of  the  boundary  line  from  the  source  of 
that  river.  That  river  and  its  source  having  been  ac- 
cordingly ascertained,  the  undersigned  are  prepared 
to  propose  the  appointment  of  commissioners  by  tho 
two  governments,  to  extend  the  line  to  the  highlands, 
conformably  to  the  treaty  of  1783.  The  proposal, 
however,  of  the  British  Plenipotentiaries  was  not  to  as- 
certain, but  to  vary  those  lines  in  such  manner  as  to 
secure  a  direct  communication  between  Q,uebec  and 
Halifax  ;  an  alteration  which  could  not  be  effected 
'Vithout  a  cesi^ion  by  the  the  U.  States  to  G.  Britain 


U 


hi 


'I 

■; 

.:   Ml 


098 


APPENDIX. 


'I'i 


of  nil  that  portion  of  the  rttute  of  INIaMacliusetts  inter- 
vening between  the  province  of  New  Bruniiwiuk  and 
Quebec,  although  unquestionably  included  within  the 
boundary  lines  nxed  by  that  treaty.  Whether  it  was 
conlein|ilated  on  the  part  of  G.  Britain  to  obtain  the 
ceMiion,  with  or  without  an  equivalent  in  frontier  or 
otherwise,  the  undersigned,  in  stating  that  they  were 
not  instructed  or  authorised  to  treat  on  the  subject  ol' 
cession,  have  not  declined  to  discuss  any  matter  of 
uncertainty  or  dispute  which  the  British  Plenipoten- 
tiaries may  point  out  to  exist,  respecting  the  bounda- 
ries in  that  or  in  any  other  quarter,  and  are,  therefore, 
not  liable  to  the  imputation  uf  having  rendered  their 
powers  on  the  subject  nugatory  or  inaduiissibly  par- 
tial in  their  operation. 

The  UntiKh  plenipotentiaries  consider  the  under- 
signed as  having  declared,  *  that  the  IT.  States  will 
admit  of  no  line  of  boundary  between  their  territory 
and  that  of  the  Indian  nations  because  the  natural 
growth  and  population  of  the  U.  States  would  be 
thereby  arrested.'  The  undersigned,  on  the  contra- 
ry, expressly  stated  in  their  last  note  '  that  the  lands 
inhabited  by  the  Indians  were  secured  to  them  by 
boundaries,  defined  in  amicable  treaties  between  them 
and  the  (J-  States  :*  but  they  did  rei'use  to  assign,  in 
a  treaty  of  peace  with  G.    Britain,  a  detinitive   and 

{permanent  boundary  to  the  Indians,  living  within  the 
imits  of  the  U.  States.  On  this  subject,  the  under- 
signed have  no  hesitation  in  avowing,  that  the  U. 
States,  while  intending  never  to  acquire  lands  from 
the  Indians  otherwise  than  peaceably,  and  with  their 
free  consent,  are  fully  determined  in  that  manner, 
progressively,  and  in  proportion  as  their  growing  po- 
pulation may  require,  to  reclaim  from  the  state  of  na- 
ture and  to  bring  into  cultivation  every  portion  of  the 
territory  contained  withii)  their  acknowledged  boun- 
daries. In  thus  providing  for  the  support  of  millions 
of  civilized  beings,  they  will  not  violateany  dictate  ut  I 
justice  or  humanity,  for  they  will  not  only  give  to  the 
few  thousand  savages,  scattered  over  that  territory, 
an  ample  equivatent  for  any  right  they  may  surren 


m 


1 1 


lacliUJielts  inter- 
Brunswick  uiid 
luded  within  the 
Whether  it  was 
n  to  obtain  the 
it  in   frontier  or 
g  that  they  were 
n  the   subject  oi 
s  Hny  matter  of 
itish  Plenipnten- 
n|^  the  bounda- 
idare,  therefore, 
ig  rendered  their 
inaduiissibly  par- 

sider  the  under- 
eU.   States  will 
;n  their  territory 
ause  the   natural 
Slates  would  be 
d,  on  the  contra- 
i  *  that  the  lands 
red  to  them  by 
lies  between  them 
et'use  to  assign,  in 
a  dettnitive   and 
living  within  the 
ect,   the  under- 
ng,  that  the  V. 
;quire  lands  from 
y,  and  with  their 
in  that  manner, 
heir  growing  po- 
rn the  state  of  na- 
ery  portion  of  the 
nowledged  bouii- 
opportot  millions 
ilate  any  dictate  ot 
)l  only  give  to  the 
rer  that  territory, 
hey  may  surren 


APPENDIX. 


dd» 


drr,  but  will  always  leave  thcin  the  possession  of 
lands  more  than  they  can  cultivate,  and  more  than 
adequate  to  their  subsistence,  comtovt  and  enjoyment 
by  cultivation. 

If  this  be  a  spirit  of  aggrandizement,  the  uiideraign- 
cd  are  prepared  to  admit,  in  that  sense,  its  existence ; 
but  Ihey  must  deny  that  it  affords  the  shghtest  proof 
of  an  intention  not  to  respect  the  boundaries  between 
them  and  European  nations,  or  of  n  desire  to  en- 
croach upon  the  territories  of  G.  Britain.  If,  in  the 
progi-ess  of  their  increasing  population,  the  American 
people  must  grow  in  slrenglh  projiortioned  to  their 
numbers, the  undersigned  will  hojie  that  G.  Britain^ 
far  from  repining  at  the  prospect,  will  contemplate  it 
with  satisfaction.  They  will  not  snpposethat  thatgov- 
ernment  will  avow,  as  the  basis  of  their  policy  towards 
the  U.  States,  the  system  of  arresting  their  natural 
growth  within  their  own  territories,  for  the  sake  of 
preserving  a  perpetual  desert  for  savages.  IfG.  Bri- 
tain has  made  sacrifices  to  give  repose  to  the  civilized 
world  in  £urope,  no  sacrifice  is  required  from  her  by 
the  U.  States  to  complete  the  work  of  general  pacifi- 
cation. 'J^his  negociation  at  least  evinces,  on  their 
part,  no  disposition  to  claim  any  other  right,  than  thut 
of  preserving  their  independence  entire,  and  of  gov- 
erning their  own  territories  without  foreign  interfer- 
ence. 

Of  the  two  proclamations,  purported  copies  of 
which  the  British  plenipoleiitiaries  have  thought 
proper  to  enclose  with  their  last  note,  the  undersigned 
might  content  themselves  with  reniurking,  that  neith- 
er of  them  is  the  act  uf  the  American  government. 
They  are  enabled  however  to  add,  w;ih  perfect  con- 
lidence,  thai  neither  of  them  was  authorised  or  ap- 
prov«Hi  by  that  government.  The  undersigned  arc 
not  disposed  to  consider  as  the  act  of  the  British  gov- 
rntnent,  the  proclamation  of  Admiral  Guchruiie, 
herewith  oiuii  scd.  exciting  a  portion  of  the  popnla- 
lionof  the  U.  States  under  the  promise  of  military 
employment,  or  ol  f-  Hsettlcnienl  in  the  NVesl-In<lie», 
to  treacherv  :tnd  rebellion.     'J'hi^  n!ulrrsi<rnr<]l  verv 


1,1) 


I   t! 


400 


APPENDIX. 


I      I'K! 


'f  ,i 


If' 


■  II 


if!! 


sincerely  regret  to  be  obliyred  to  say,  that  an  irresisla- 
ble  mass  ot  evidence,  cunsistiiig  phucipall)!  of  the 
corres[)ondeiice  of  British  oificersaiid  agents,  part  on- 
ly of  which  has  ah'ead^  been  pubhshed  in  America, 
establishes  beyond  all  rational  doubt,  the  fact,  that  a 
constant  system  of  excitemeut  to  those  hostilities  was 
pursued  by  the  British  traders  and  agents,  who  hdd 
access  to  the  Indians,  not  only  without  being  discoun- 
tenanced, but  with  frequent  encourugemeiit  by  the 
British  authorities  ;  and  that  if  the^i  ever  dissuaded 
the  Indians  from  commencing  hostilities,  it  was  only 
by  urging  them,  as  in  prudeiice,  to  suspend  their 
attacks,  until  G.  Britain  should  recognize  them  as  her 
aUies  in  the  war. 

When,  in  the  conference  of  the9lh  ult.  the  under 
signed  inviied  discussion  upon  the  (iroposal  ot  Indian 
pacilication  and  boundary,  as  well  as  upon  ail  the 
subjects  presented  by  the  British  plenipotentiaries  for 
discussion,  they  expressly  stated  tiieir  motives  to  be, 
1st,  to  ascertain  by  discussion  whether  an  artice  on 
the  subject  could  be  formed  to  which  they  could  sub- 
scribe, and  which  would  be  satisfactory  to  the  British 
plenipotenti'^ries ;  and  2dly,  that  if  no  such  article 
could  be  i  '.ned,  the  American  government  might  be 
informed  of  the  views  of  G.  Britain  upon  that  point, 
and  the  British  government  of  the  objections  on  the 
part  of  the  United  States,  to  any  such  arrangement. 
The  undersigned  have,  in  fact,  already  proposed  lu 
less  than  three  articles  on  the  subject,  all  of  which 
they  view  as  better  calculated  to  secure  peace  and 
trantpiility  to  the  Indians,  than  any  one  ot  the  propo- 
sals for  that  purpose,  made  by  the  British  plenipoten- 
tiaries. 

The  undersigned  had  repeated  their  assurances  Ic 
the  British  plenipotentiaries,  that  peace,  so  tar  as  il 
depended  on  the  United  States,  would  immediately 
follow  a  peace  with  O.  Britain,  and  added,  thai  th( 
Indians  would  thereby  be  reinstated  in  the  sanu 
situation  in  winch  they  stood  before  the  commence 
nient  of  hostilities.  The  British  plenipotentiaiie 
insist,  in  their  last  note,  that  the  Indian  nations  sliul 


'1! 


APPENDIX. 


401 


that  an  irresisU- 
iiicipally   of  the 

I  Hg-eutsi  part  on- 
lied  in  America, 
,  the  fact,  that  a 
se  hostilities  was 
igents,  who  had 
jl  beiiig  tiiscoun- 
ragemciit  by  ihe 
y  tivei'  dissuaiieil 
lities,  it  was  only 
to  suspend  their 
iguize  them  as  hei 

Hh  ult.  the  un«iep 
proposal  ot  Indian 

II  as  upon  ail  the 
;nipotentiaries  tor 
leir  motives  to  be, 
ither  an  aitic  e  on 
jch  they  could  sub- 
ilopy  to  the  British 

t'  no  such  article 
ifernment  might  be 
n  upon  that  point, 
I  objections  on  the 
snch  arrangement, 
•eady  proposed  m> 
ect,  all  of  which 
secure  peace  and 
one  ot  the  propo- 
British  plenipoten- 

heir  assurances  l<' 
peace,  so  tar  as  il 
k^ould  immediately 
d  added,  thai  lh» 
aled  ui  the  sanu 
re  the  commence- 1 
.  plenipotentiaries 
iidian  nations  sluiH 


be  included  in  the  treaty  of  peace  between  Great- 
Britain  and  the  (J.  States,  and  be  restored  to  all  the 
rights,  privileges,  and  territories  which  they  enjoyed 
in  the  year  1811,  previous  to  their  commencement 
of  the  war,  by  :virlne  of  the  treaty  of  Greenville, 
and  the  treaties  subsequently  concluded  between 
them  and  the  U.  States.  Setting  aside  the  subject  of 
boundary,  which  is  presented  as  for  discussion  only, 
there  is  no  apparent  difference  with  respect  to  the 
object  in  view  ;  the  pacification  and  tranquility  of  the 
In.lians,  and  placing  them  in  the  same  situation  in 
which  they  stood  before  the  war,  all  which  will  be 
equally  obtained  in  the  manner  proposed  by  the  un- 
dersigned, and  tlie  only  point  of  real  difference  is, 
the  British  plenipotentiaries  insist  that  it  should  be 
done  by  including  the  Indians,  as  allies  of  G.  Bri- 
tain, in  the  treaty  of  peace  between  her  and  the  U. 
States. 

The  U.  States  cannot  consent  that  Indians  residing 
within  their  boundaries,  as  acknowledged  by  Great- 
Britain,  shall  be  included  in  the  treaty  of  peace,  in 
any  manner  which  will  recognize  them  as  independ- 
ent nations,  whom  G.  Britain,  having  obtained  this 
recognition,  would  hereafter,  have  the  right  to  con- 
sider in  every  respect,  as  such.  Tims  to  recognize 
these  Indians  as  independent  and  sovereign  nations, 
would  take  from  the  U.  States,  and  transfer  to  those 
Indians,  all  the  rights  of  soil  and  sovereignty  over 
the  territory  which  they  inhabit;  and  this  being  ac- 
complished through  the  agency  of  G.  Britain,  would 
place  them  etiectually  and  exclusively  under  her  pro- 
tection, instead  of  being,  as  heretofore,  under  that 
of  the  U.  States.  It  is  not  perceived  in  what  res- 
pect such  a  provision  would  differ  from  an  absolute 
cession  by  the  U.  States  of  the  extensive  territory  in 
question.  jsb.'  -'  «   />•' 

The  British  plenipotentiaries  have  repeated  the 
assertion,  that  the  treaty  by  which  the  Indians  placed 
themselves  under  the  protection  of  the  U.  States, 
was  abrogated  by  tiie  war;  and  thence  infer,  that  thev 

51 


I 

^ 


r 


I    i 


ii         \ 


m  w 


>  ffi 


402 


APPENDIX. 


are  no  longer  tu  be  considered  ns  under  the  protec- 
tion  of  the  U.  States,  whatever  may  be  llie  import 
of  the  term  ;  and  that  the  right  of  G.  Britain  to  in- 
terfere in  their  behalf  in  the  negociation  of  peace, 
can  only  be  denied  on  the  ground  that  they  are  re- 
garded as  subjects.  In  point  of  fact,  several  of  the 
tribes,  parties  to  the  treaty  of  Greenville,  have  con- 
stantly been,  and  still  are,  at  peace  with  the  United 
States.  Whether  thai  treaty  be,  or  be  not  abrogated, 
is  a  question  not  necessary  to  be  t)ow  discussed.  The 
right  of  the  U.  States  to  the  protection  of  the  Indians 
within  their  boandaries,  was  not  acquired  by  that 
treaty  ;  it  was  a  necessary  consequence  of  the  sove- 
reignty and  independence  of  the  U.  Stales.  Previ- 
ous to  that  time  the  Indians  living  within  the  same 
territory,  were  under  the  protection  of  his  Britannic 
majesty,  as  its  sovereign.  The  undersigned  may 
refer  the  British  plenipotentiaries  to  all  the  acts  of  their 
own  government,  relative  to  the  subject,  for  proof, 
that  it  has  always  considered  this  right  of  protection 
as  one  of  the  rights  of  sovereignty,  which  it  needed 
no  Indian  treaty  to  confer,  and  which  the  abrogation 
of  no  Indian  treaty  could  divest.  They  will  particu- 
larly bring  to  their  recollection,  that  when  a  sipnilar 
proposition  of  considering  Indian  tribes  as  independ- 
ent nations,  to  serve  as  a  barrier  between  the  French 
and  English  territories,  was  made  by  France  to 
England,  it  was  immediately  rejected,  by  a  minister 
to  whom  the  British  nation  is  accustomed  to  look  back 
with  veneration,  and  rejected  on  the  express  ground, 
that  the  king  would  not  renounce  his  right  to  pro- 
tcclion  over  the  Indians  within  his  domirions.  But 
whatever  the  relation  of  the  Indians  to  the  U.  States 
may  be,  and  whether  under  their  protection  or  not, 
G.  Britain  having  by  the  treaty  of  1783,  recognized 
the  sovereignty  of  the  U.  Slates,  and  agreed  to  certain 
limits  as  their  boundaries,  has  no  right  to  consider 
any  pei-sons  or  communities,  whether  Indians  or 
others,  residing  within  those  boundaries,  ns  nation> 
independent  of  the  U.  Slates. 


'n 


APPENDIX. 


403 


der  the  protec- 
'  be  Uie  import 
.  Britain  to  in- 
ation  of  peace, 
lat  they  are  re- 
,  several  of  the 
nlle,  have  con- 
kith  the  [Tnited 
!  not  abrogated, 
discussed.  The 
a  of  the  Indians 
:qnired  by  that 
ce  of  the  sove- 
States.     Previ- 
irithin  the  snme 
}f  his  Britannic 
dersigned  may 
the  acts  of  their 
jecl,  for  proof", 
ht  of  protection 
fvhich  it  needed 
the  abrogation 
ey  will  particu- 
when  a  similar 
»es  as  independ- 
een  the  French 
by    France  to 
by  a  minister 
ed  to  look  back 
express  ground, 
s  right  to  pro- 
amirions.     But 
o  the  U.  States 
itection  or  not, 
83,  recognized 
crreed  to  certain 
ht  to  consider 
ler  Indians  or 
ries,  as  nation* 


The  13.  States  claim,  of  right,  with  rrspcct  to  alt 
£uropenn  nations,  and  particularly  with  res[)ect  to 
G.  Britain,  the  entire  sovereignty  over  the  whole 
territory,  and  all  the  persons  embraced  within  the 
boundaries  of  their  dominions.  G.  Britain  has  no 
right  to  take  cognizance  of  the  relations  subsisting' 
between  the  several  communities  or  persons  living 
therein.  They  form  as  to  her,  only  parts  of  the  do- 
minions of  the  U.  States,  and  it  is  altogether  inunate- 
rial,  whether,  or  how  far,  under  their  political  insti- 
tutions and  policy,  these  communities  ur  persons  are 
independent  states,  allies,  or  subjects.  With  respect 
to  her  and  all  other  foreign  nations,  they  are  parts  of 
a  whole,  of  which  the  U.  States  are  the  sole  and  ab- 
solute sovereigns. 

The  allegation  of  th6  British  plenipotentiaries,  that 
it  is  inconsistent  ^i'ith  the  practice  or  principles  of  G. 
Britain  to  abandon  in  her  negociations  for  peace,  those 
who  have  eo-operated  with  her  in  war,  is  not  appli- 
cable to  the  Indians,  but  on  the  erroneous  assumption 
of  their  independence,  which,  so  far  as  she  is  concern- 
ed, has  been  fully  disproved.  And  although  no  pow- 
6r  from  these  tribes  to  the  British  government  to  treat 
in  their  behalf,  would,  for  the  same  reason  be  admit- 
ted by  the  undersigned,  they  n^ay  nevertheless  ob- 
serve, that  the  British  plenipotentiaries  having  produc- 
ed no  such  powers,  having  no  authority  to  bind  the 
Indians,  to  engage  for  their  assent  to  the  pacification, 
or  to  secure  the  continuance  of  peace  on  their  part 
whilst  speaking  of  them  as  allies,  do  really  propose 
to  treat  tor  them  not  as  if  they  were  independent 
nations,  but  as  if  they  were  the  subjects  of  G.  Britain. 

The  undersigned  so  far  from  asking  that,  in  rela- 
tion to  the  Indians,  G.  Britain  should  pursue  a  course 
inconsistent  with  her  former  practice  and  principles, 
only  desire  that  she  would  follow  her  own  example  re- 
specting them,  in  her  former  treaties  with  other  Europe- 
an nations,  and  with  the  U.  States.  No  provision  for 
the  Indians  isfotind  in  the  treaty  of  17()-3,  by  which 
France  ceded  Canada  to  G  Britain,  although  almost 
ulUhe  Indians  living  within  the  territory  ceded,  or 


ii  ' 


;; 

i. 

i: 

1: 

i  ( 

*  i 

i 

I 

i 

\ 

1  : 

t.  S' 


■?li 


t     I 


404 


APPENDIX. 


N   ;i 


n  ^ 


1  f 


acknowledged  to  belong  to  G.  Britain,  hud  taken 
part  with  France  in  the  war.     ^o  such  provision  was 
inserbedin  the  treaty  ot'peaceof  1783,  between  i  •■ .  Bri-> 
tain  and  the  U.  Slates,  although  almost  all  the  Indian 
tribes  living  witlnn  the  territory   recognized  by  the 
treaty  to  belong  to  the  U.  States,  had  dnring  the  war, 
co-operated  willi  G.  Britain,   and  might   have  been 
considered  as  her  allies  more  justly  than  on  the  pre- 
sent occasion.     So  far  as  concerns  the  relations  be- 
tween G.  Britain  and  the  U.  States,  these  Indians  can 
be  treated  for  only  on  the  principles  by  which  amnes- 
ties are  stipulated  in  favor  of  disafi'ected  persons,  who, 
in  times  of  war  and  invasion,  co-operate  with  the  en- 
emy of  the  nation  to  which  they  belong.     To  go  as 
far  as  possible  in  securing  the  benefit  of  the  peace  to 
the  Indians,  now  the  only  object  professed  by  the 
British  government  in  their  present  sine  gua  nvn,  the 
undersigned  offer  a  stipulation  in  general  terms,  that 
no  person  or  persons,  whether   subjects,  citizens,  or 
Indians,  residing  within  th<i  dominions  of  either  par- 
ty, shall  be  molested  or  annoyed,  either  in  persons  or 
tneir  property,  for  any  part  they  may  have  taken  in 
the  war  between  the  U.  States  and  G.  Britain  ;  but 
shall  retain  all  the  rights,  privileges  and  possessions, 
which  they  respectively  had  at  the  commencement  of 
the  war;  they, on  their  part,  demeaning  themselves 
peaceably,  and  conform.ibly  to  their  duties  to  the  re- 
spective governments. — This  the   undersigned  have 
no  doubt  will  efliectually  secure  to  the  Indians  peace, 
if  they  themselves  will  observe  it,   and  they  will  not 
suppose  that  G.  Britain  would  wisl^  theiQ  included  iu 
the  peace  hut  upon  that  condition. 

1  he  undersigned  have  never  intimated  that  their 
government  had  not  furnished  them  with  any  instruc- 
tions since  January  last.  On  the  contrary,  they  dis- 
tinctly told  the  British  plenipotentiaries  in  confer- 
ence, though  it  appears  to  have  escaped  their  recol- 
lection, that  instructions  had  been  received  by  the  un- 
dersigned, dated  at  the  close  of  the  month  of  June. 
Tiie  undersigned  will  now  add,  that  those  instructions 
were  drawn  with  a  full  knowledge  of  thegeueral  p^- 


APPENDIX. 


405 


in,  Imd  tnkeu 
provision  Avas 
jlween  i  ■ .  Bri- 
,  all  the  Indinii 
(gnizetl  by  the 
uring-  the  war, 
hi   have  been 
\n  on  the  pre- 
j  relations  be- 
:se  Indians  can 
which  amnes- 
1  persons,  who, 
le  with  the  en- 
ig.     To  go  as 
(fthe  peace  to 
ot'essed  by  the 
le  qua  noih  the 
jral  terms,  that 
cts,  citizens,  or 
s  of  either  par- 
r  in  persons  or 
have  taken  iu 
I.  Britain ;  but 
id  possessions, 
mencenient  of 
ling  themselves 
luties  to  the  re- 
|ersigned  have 
Indians  peace, 
they  will  not 
\\Xi  included  iu 

Ited  that  their 
jlh  any  instruc- 
I'ary,  they  dis- 
ries  in  confer- 
ed  their  recol- 
Ived  by  the  un- 
ion th  of  June. 
\se  instructions 
le  general  p8\- 


ciHcationin  Europe,  and  with  so  liberal  a  considera- 
tion oi'  its  necessary  bearing  upon  all  the  difi'erences 
that  had  been  until  then  subsisting  between  G.  Bri- 
tain and  the  U.  States,  that  the  undersigned  cannot 
doubt  that  peace  would  long  si. tee  have  been  conclud- 
ed, had  notuM  insuperable  bar  a<^uinst  it  been  raised 
by  the  new  and  unprecedented  demands  of  the  Bri- 
tish government. 

With  respect  to  the  proposition  which  the  British 
plenipotentiaries  inform  them  ihey  wdl  be  prepared 
to  make,  in  relation  to  the  Cunadiiu  boundaries, 
which  appears  to  them  so  entirely  founded  on  pri.tci- 
ples  of  moderation  and  justice,  but  the  nature  of  which 
they  think  proper  at  present  to  withhold,  the  under- 
signed can  only  pledge  themselves  to  meet  any  pro- 
position from  the  British  pleuipotentiuries,  character- 
ized by  moderation  and  justice,  not  only  with  a  per- 
fect reciprocity  of  those  sentiments,  but  with  a  sincere 
and  earnest  desire  to  contribute  to  the  restoration  of 
peace,  by  every  compliance  with  the  wishes  of  Great 
Britain,  compatible  with  their  duty  to  their  country. 

The  undersigned  have  the  honor  of  lendering  to 
the  British  plenipotentiaries,  the  renewed  assurance 
of  their  high  consideration. 


J.  a   ADAMS, 
J.  A.  BAYARD, 
H.  OLAY, 

The  British  to  the  American  Commissioners. 


JONA.  RUSSELL, 
A.  GALLATIN. 


Ghent,  Oct.  8,  1814. 

The  undersigned  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge 
the  receipt  of  the  note  of  the  plenipotentiaries  of  the 
IT.  States,  dated  on  the  29th  ult. 

Ai  the  continuance  of  the  negociation  exclusively 
depends  upon  the  question  relating  to  the  pacifica- 
tion and  rights  of  the  Indian  nations  the  undersigned 
are  unwilling  to  extend  their  observations  to  the 
other  subjects  brought  forward  in  the  note  of  the 
American  plenipotentiaries,  further  than  may  be 
required  for  necessary  explanation. 

In  adverting  for  this  purpose  to  the  acquisition  of 
Louisiana;  the  undersigned  must  observe,  that  the 


\[  II 


i  s 


I'^i 


I  >y' 


■li ' 


•'^i'liil!^ 


i^i 


i  ' 


I  1  .! 


I        M 


^ 

1  ; 

^  =  .  \  .''■ 

^JA| 

;     1 

406 


APPENDIX. 


instrument  by  which  the  consent  of  his  Catholic  ma* 
jesty  is  alledged  to  have  been  given  to  the  cession  of 
Hi  has  never  been  made  pubhc.  His  Cathohc  ma- 
jesty was  no  party  to  the  treaty  by  which  the  ces- 
sion was  made,  and  if  any  sanction  has  been  subse- 
quently obtained  from  him,  it  must  have  been,  like 
other  cdtemparaneous  acts  of  that  monarch,  involun- 
tary, and  as  such  cannot  alter  the  character  ot  thn 
transaction.  The  Marquis  of  Yrujo,  the  minister  of 
his  Catholic  majesty  at  Washington,  in  a  letter  ad- 
dressed to  the  President  of  the  U.  States,  furmally 
protested  against  the  cession,  and  the  right  ot  France 
to  make  it.  Yet,  in  the  face  of  this  protestation,  so 
strAiigly  evincing  the  decided  opinion  of  Spain  as 
to  the  illegality  of  the  proceeding,  the  President  of 
the  U.  States  ratitied  the  treaty.  Can  it  be  contend- 
ed that  the  annexation  of  Louisiana,  under  such  cir- 
cumstances, did  not  mark  a  spirit  of  territorial  ag- 
grandizement? '    :  . 

His  Britannic  majesty  did  certainly  express  satis- 
faction when  the  American  government  communi- 
cated the  event,  that  Louisiana,  a  valuable  colony  in 
the  possession  of  France,  with  whom  the  war  had 
just  been  renewed,  instead  o." remaining  in  the  hands 
of  his  enemy,  had  been  ceded  to  the  U.  States,  at 
that  time  professing  the  most  friendly  disposition  to- 
wards G.  Britain,  and  an  intention  of  providing  for 
her  interest  in  the  acquisition.  But  the  conditions 
under  which  France  had  acquired  Louisiana  from 
Spain^  were  not  communicated  ;  the  refusal  of  Spain 
to  consent  to  its  alienation  was  not  known ;  the  pro- 
test of  her  ambassador  had  not  been  made,  and  many 
other  circumstances  attending  the  transaction,  on 
which  it  is  now  unnecessary  to  dilate,  were,  as  there 
is  good  reason  to  believe,  industriously  concealed. 

The  proof  of  a  spirit  of  aggrandizement,  which 
the  undersigned  had  deduced  from  the  hostile  seiz- 
ure of  a  great  part  of  the  Floridas,  under  ti)e  most 
frivolous  pretences,  remains  unrefuted ;  and  the  un- 
dersigned are  convinced  that  the  occasion  and  cir- 
cumstances under  which  '^at  unwarrantable  act  of 


1;   t 


APPENDIX. 


407 


9  Catholic  ma- 
)  the  cession  of 

Cathohc  ma- 
hich  the  ces- 
lias  been  suhse- 
Ave  been,  like 
tiai-ch,  involun- 
iiaracter  ot  the 
,  the  minister  of 
I,  in  a  letter  ad- 
Slates,  fornially 
right  oi  France 

protestation,  so 
lion  of  Spain  as 
the  President  of 
in  it  be  contend- 
under  such  cir- 
>f  territorial  ag- 

\\y  express  satis- 
iment  communi- 
iluable  colony  in 
m   the  war  had 
ling  in  the  hands 
le  U.  blates,  at 
J  disposition  to- 
if  providing  for 
the  conditions 
Louisiana  from 
refusal  of  Spain 
tnown ;  the  pro- 
made,  and  many 
transaction,   on 
e,  were,  as  there 
isly  concealed, 
dizement,  which 
the  hostile  seiz- 
under  tiie  mosi 
ited ;  and  the  un- 
occasion  and  cir- 
arranlable  act  of 


ai^gression  took  place,  have  given  riae  thraughoui 
£uro|)e  to  but  one  sentiment  as  to  the  character  of  the 
transaction. 

After  the  previous  communication  which  the  under* 
signed  have  had  the  honor  of  receiving  from  the 
American  plenipotentiaries,  they  could  not  but  feel 
nnicii  surprized  at  the  information  contained  in  their 
last  note  of  their  having  received  instructions  dated 
subsequently  to  January,  1814.  The  undersigned 
have  no  recollection  whatever  of  the  American  ple- 
nipotentiaries having  communicated  to  them,  either 
collectively,  or  individually  at  a  conference  or  other- 
wise, the  receipt  of  instructions  from  the  govern- 
ment of  the  U.  Slates  dated  at  the  close  of  the  month 
of  .fune,  and  ihey  must  remind  the  American  pleni- 
])otentiaries  that  their  note  of  the  9th  ull.  distinctly 
stated  that  the  instructions  of  January,  1814,  were 
those  under  which  they  were  acting.  If  therefore, 
the  American  plenipotentiaries  received  instructions 
drawn  up  at  the  close  of  the  month  of  June,  with  a 
liberal  consideration  of  the  late  events  in  Europe,  the 
undersigned  have  a  right  to  complain,  that  while  the 
American  government  justly  considered!  <,hose  events 
as  having  a  necessary  bearing  on  the  existing  dijffer- 
ences  between  the  two  countries,  the  American  ple- 
nipotentiaries should  nevertheless  have  preferred  act- 
ing under  instructions,  which,  from  their  date,  must 
have  been  without  the  contemplation  of  such  events. 

The  British  government  never  required  that  all  that 
portion  of  the  state  of  Massachusetts  intervening  be- 
tween the  province  of  New  Brunswick  and  duebec, 
should  be  ceded  to  G.  Britain,  but  only  that  small 
portion  of  unsettled  country  which  interrupts  the  com- 
munication between  Halifax  and  Q,uebec,  there  be- 
ing much  doubt  whether  it  does  not  already  belong  to 
G.  Britain. 

The  undersigned  are  at  a  loss  to  understand  how 
vice  Admiral  Cochrane's  proclamation  illustrates  any 
topic  connected  with  the  present  negociation,  or  bears 
upon  the  conclusion  which  they  contended  was  to  be 
<lrawn  from  the  two  proclamations  of  the  American 


1 

'  p     " 

1' 

i  1     ' 

1 

t 

'  1 

Ml 


li.l 


ll: 


i 


408 


APPENDIX. 


Generals.  These  proclanoations  distinctly  a?ow« 
ing  the  intention  of  the  American  government  per- 
manently to  annex  theCanadiis  to  tlie  U.  (states,  were 
adduced  not  as  a  matter  of  comphiint,  but  simply 
for  the  purpose  •  i  proving  whnt  had  been  denied  as  a 
fact,  viz.  that  sach  had  been  the  declared  intention 
of  the  American  government. 
i  The  undersigned  observe,  that  although  the  Ameri- 
can plenipoteatiaries  have  taken  i«pon  lltemselves 
generally  to  deny  thut  the  proclumations  were  au- 
thorized or  approved  by  then*  rrovernment,  without 
stating  in  what  mode  that  disapiirobution  was  express- 
ed, yet  they  avoid  stating  that  the  part  of  those  proc- 
lamations containing  the  declaration  in  question,  had 
not  been  so  authorized  or  approved.  It  is  hideed 
impossible  to  imagine,  that  if  the  American  govern- 
ment had  intimated  any  disapprobation  of  that  part  of 
General  HulTs  proclamation,  the  same  declaration 
would  have  been  as  confidently  repeated  four  months 
after  by  General  Smyth. 

His  majesty's  government  have  other  and  ample 
means  of  knowing  that  the  conquest  of  the  Canadas 
and  their  annexation  to  the  U.  States  was  the  object 
and  policy  of  ihe  American  government.  For  the 
present  the  undersigned  will  content  themselves  with 
referring  to  the  remonstrance  of  the  legislature  of 
Massachusetts,  in  June,  181^,  iii  which  this  inten- 
tion is  announced  as  matter  of  notoriety. 

Tiie  undersigned  deny  that  the  American  govern- 
ment had  proved,  or  can  prove,  that  ])revious  to  the 
declaration  of  war  by  the  U.  States,  persons  author- 
ized by  the  British  government  endeavored  to  excite 
the  Indian  nations  against  the  U.  Statics,  or  that  en- 
deavors of  that  kind,  if  made  by  private  p'^rsons, 
(which  the  undersigned  have  no  reason  to  believe) 
ever  received  the  sanction  of  his  majesty's  govern- 
ment, -ll  ;' 

The  American  plenipotentiaries  have  not  denied 
that  the  Indian  nations  had  been  engaged  in  war  willi 
the  U.  States,  before  the  war  with  G.  Britain  hiul 
oomraenced,  and  thev  have  relnclaniiy  confessed  lhi\l 


sliuctly  avow- 
vernnienk  per- 
J.  Stales^  were 
it,  but  simply 
len  denied  as  a 
ared  intention 

ijvli  the  Ameri- 
ton  tlieniselves 
Lions  were  au- 
unent,  without 
)i\  was  exprt'ss- 
of  those  proc- 
n  question,  had 
.  It  IS  indeed 
lerican  jjfovern- 
1  of  that  part  of 
ime  declaration 
led  four  months 

Lher  and  ample 

3f  the  Canadas 

was  the  object 

nent.     For  the 

lemselves  with 

legislature  of 

hich  this  inten- 

ty. 

en  can  govern- 
])revious  to  the 
)ersoiis  aulhor- 
voied  to  excite 
ites,  or  that  en- 
rivate  p'^rsoiis, 
son  to  believe) 
jesly's  goverii- 

nve  not  denied 
red  in  war  willi 
Britain  h»d 
confessed  thai 


!  i 


APP£NDI-X. 


409 


so  far  from  h'xft  majesty  having  induced  tlie  Indian 
nations  to  begin  the  wai,  as  charged  against  Great- 
Britain  in  the  notes  of  the  24th  Aug.  and  9tli  ult.  the 
British  government  actuHily  exerted  their  endeavors 
to  dissuade  the  Indian  nations  from  commencing  it. 

As  to  the  unworthy  motive  assigned  by  the  Ameri- 
can plenipotentiaries  to  this  interference  so  amicably 
made  on  the  part  of  G.  Britain,  its  utter  improbability 
is  sufficiently  apparent  from  considering  by  which 
party  the  war  was  declared.  The  undersigned,  there- 
fore, can  only  consider  it  as  an  additional  indication 
of  that  hostile  diposition  which  has  led  to  the  present 
unhappy  war  between  the  two  countries.  8o  long  as 
that  disposition  continues,  it  cannot  but  render  any 
effort  on  the  part  of  G.  Britain  to  terminate  this  con- 
test utterly  unavailing. 

The  American  plenipotentiaries  appear  unprepar- 
ed to  state  the  precise  ground  u|:)on  which  they  resist 
the  right  of  his  majesty  to  negociate  with  the  United 
States  on  behalf  of  the  Indian  nations,  whose  co-ope- 
ration in  the  war  his  majesty  has  found  it  expedient 
to  accept. 

The  treaty  of  Greenville,  to  the  words,  stipula- 
tions, and  spirit  of  which  the  undersigned  have  so 
frequently  appealed,  and  all  the  treaties  previously  and 
.subsequently  made,  between  the  U.  States  and  the 
Indian  nations,  shew,  beyond  the  possibility  of  doubt, 
that  the  U.  States  have  been  in  the  habit  of  treating 
with  these  tribes  as  indepetident  nations,  capable  of 
maintaining  the  relations  of  peace  and  war,  and  ex- 
ercising territorial  rights.  •     ' 

If  this  be  so,  it  will  be  difficult  to  point  out  the  pe- 
culiar circumstances  in  the  condition  of  those  nations, 
which  should  either  exclude  them  from  a  treaty  of 
general  pacification,  or  prevent  G.  Britain,  with 
whom  they  have  co-operated  us  allies  in  the  war, 
from  proposing  stipulations  in  their  behalf  at  the 
peace.  Unless  the  American  plenipotentiaries  are 
prepared  to  maintain  what  they  have  in  effect  advanc- 
ed, that  although  the  Indian  nations  may  be  indepen  • 
5'i 


!    \ 


1  \ 
I  I 


1 


1 1 

I    ! 
i    ' 


'm  H 


i  m 


1*- 

ii! 


,      s 
I 


410 


A1>PENDIX. 


dent  in  their  relations  with  the  U.  Stules,  }ct  the  eir* 
cumstaiice  of  living  within  the  boundary  of  the  U. 
States  disables  them  from  forming  such  conditions  of 
alliance  with  a  foreign  power,  as  shall  entitle  that 
power  to  negotiate  ^r  tnem  in  a  treaty  of  peace. 

The  principle  upon  which  this  proposition  is  found- 
ed, was  advanced,  but  successfully  resisted  so  far 
hack  as  the  treaty  of  Munster.  An  attempt  was  tlieu 
made  to  preclude  France  from  ncgociating  in  behalf 
of  certain  states  and  cities  i.«  Germany,  who  had  lO* 
operated  with  her  in  the  \v;\t',  because  although  those 
states  and  cities  might  be  considered  as  indopendent 
for  certain  purposes,  yet  being  within  the  boundary  of 
th^  German  empire,  they  ouglit  not  to  be  allowed  to 
become  parties  in  the  general  pacification  with  the 
emperor  of  Germany,  nor  ought  France  to  be  per-, 
roitted  in  that  negociation  to  mix  their  rights  and  in- 
terests with  her  own. 

The  American  plenipotentiaries,  probably  aware 
that  the  notion  of  such  a  qualiHid  independence,  for 
certain  purposes,  and  not  for  others,  could  not  be 
maintained,  either  by  argument  or  precedent,  have 
been  compelled  to  advance  the  novel  and  alarnnng 
pretension,  that  all  the  Indian  nations  living  within 
the  boundary  of  the  United  States,  must  in  effect,  be 
considered  as  their  subjects,  and,  consequently,  if 
engaged  in  war  against  the  U.  States,  become  liable 
to  be  treated  as  rebels,  or  disaffected  persons.  They 
have  further  stated,  that  all  the  territory  which  these 
Indian  nations  occupy,  is  ut  the  disposal  of  the  United 
States,  that  the  U.  States  have  a  right  to  dispossess 
them  of  it :  to  exercise  that  right,  whenever  their 
policy  or  interest  may  seem  to  them  to  require  it :  and 
to  confine  them  to  such  spots  as  may  be  selected, 
not  by  Indian  nations,  but  by  the  American  govern- 
ment. Pretensions  such  as  these  G.  Britain  can  nev- 
er recognize :  however  reluctant  his  royal  highness, 
the  Prince  Regent  may  be  to  continue  the  war,  that 
evil  must  be  prefered,  if  peace  can  only  be  obtained 
on  such  conditions. 


APPENDIX. 


411 


;«,  jel  the  cif- 
lary  of  iheU. 
i  conditiunH  of 
tl   entitle  that 

of  peace, 
sition  is  foiind- 

resiHted  so  far 
tempt  was  tlieu 
itiiiK  in  behalf 
,  who  had  to- 
although  those 
IS  indopendent 
ihe  boundary  of 
be  allowed  to 
ation  with  the 
iince  to  be  per-. 
■  rights  and  in- 

robably  aware 

ependence,  for 

s,  could  not  be 

irecedent,  have 

and   alarming 

s  living  within 

ist  in  effect,  be 

ansequently,   if 

become  liable 

persons.    They 

ry  which   these 

1  of  the  United 

it  to  dispossess 

whenever  their 

require  it:  and 

y   be   selected, 

erican  govern- 

ritain  can  nev- 

oyal  highness, 

the  Wiir,  that 

ly  be  oUaiued 


'  To  support  those  pretensions,  and  at  the  same  time 
to  show,  that  the  present  conduct  of  Great-Britain  iit 
inconsistent  with  her  former  practice  and  principles, 
the  American  plenipotentiaries  have  referred  to  the 
treaty  of  peace  of  1783,  to  'oat  of  17(33,  and  to  the  nc- 
gociations  of  1701,  during  the  administration  of  a 
minister,  whom  the  American  plenipotentiaries  have 
staled,  and  truly  stated,  to  be  high  in  the  estimation 
of  his  country. 

The  omissions  to  provide  in  the  treaty  of  1783, 
for  the  pacification  of  the  Indian  nations,  which  were 
to  be  included  within  the  pro))08ed  boundary  of  the 
U.  States,  cannot  preclude  G.  Britain  from  now  ne- 
gociating  in  behalf  of  such  tribes  or  nations,  unless  it 
be  assumed,  that  the  occasional  non-exercise  of  a 
right  is  an  abandonment  of  it.  Nor  can  the  right  of 
protection,  which  the  American  plenipotentiaries  have 
failed  in  showing  to  have  l[>eenever  claimed  by  Great 
Britain  as  incident  to  sovereignly,  have  been  transfer- 
fed  by  G.  Britain  to  the  U.  States,  by  a  treaty,  to 
which  the  Indian  nations  were  not  parties. 

In  the  peace  of  1 7(J3,  it  was  not  necessary  for  G. 
Britain  to  treat  for  the  pacification  of  the  Indian  na- 
tions, and  tlie  maintenance  of  their  rights  and  privi- 
leges, because  there  had  been  no  Indian  nations  living 
without  the  Britfsh  boundaries,  who  had  co-operated 
with  G.  Britain,  in  the  war  against  France.  '<   ' 

With  respect  to  the  negociations  of  1761,  between 
G.  Britain  and  France,  on  which  the  American  pleni- 
potentiaries more  particularly  rely,  they  appear,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  undersigned,  to  have  much  misun- 
derstood the  whole  course  of  that  negociation. 

It  is  very  true  that  the  French  government  brought 
forward,  at  one  period  of  the  negociation,  a  proposi- 
tion, by  which  a  certain  territory,  lying  between  the 
dominions  of  the  two  contracting  parties,  was  to  have 
been  allotted  to  the  Indian  nations. — But  it  does  not 
appear  that  this  formed  a  part  oi  their  ultimatum,  and 
it  is  clear,  that  Mr.  Pitt  in  his  answer,  did  not  object 
to  the  proposition.  He  objected  indeed  to  the  propos- 
ed line  of  demarkation  between  the  countries  belong- 


I, 


412 


ArPENDIX. 


i 

1     . 

\  -i 

i 

i' ;    I 

I ' 

\ ' ' 

\i 

1 

■--    ■    1 

'  ■ 

I 

I  K 


II 


ing  to  the  two  contructing  parlies,  upon  the  two 
grounds  :  Ist.  that  the  proposed  itorthern  line  wouhl 
have  given  to  France,  wliat  the  French  had  them- 
selves acknowledged  to  be  part  of  Canada,  the  whole 
of  which,  aii  enjoyed  by  his  most  Christian  nuijetity,  il 
had  been  stipulated,  was  to  be  ceded  entirely  to  G. 
Britain  :  2dly,  that  the  southern  part  of  the  proposed 
line  of  demarkation  would  have  included  within  the 
boundary  ot  Louisiana,  the  Cherokees,  the  Creeks,  the 
Chickasaws,  the  Clioctaws,  and  another  nation,  who 
occupied  territu.ies  which  had  never  been  included 
within  the  buunda.  it^:  of  that  settlement.  So  far  was 
JVIr.  Pitt  from  rejecting,  as  alledged  by  the  American 
plenipotentiaries,  the  proposition  of  considering  In- 
dian nations  a  barrier,,  that  at  one  period  of  the  ne- 
gociation  he  complained  that  there  was  no  provision 
for  such  a  barrier ;  and  he  thus  energetically  urges 
his  objections,  in  his  letter  to  Mr.  Stanley,  the  British 
plenipotentiary  at  Paris,  dated  on  the  2(ith  of  June, 
1761;  <Asto  the  fixation  of  new  limits  to  Canada 
towards  the  Ohio,  it  Is  captious  and  insidious,  thrown 
out  in  hope,  if  agreed  to,  to  shorten  thereby  the  ex- 
tent of  Canada,  and  to  lengthen  the  boundaries  of 
Louisiana,  and  in  the  view  to  establish,  what  must 
not  be  admitted,  namely,  that  all  which  is  not  Canada 
is  Louisia  .a ;  whereby  all  the  intermediate  nations 
and  coMntries,  the  true  barrier  to  each  province,  would 
be  given  up  a  France.' 

The  uriilci'signed  confidently  expect,  that  the 
American  plenipotentiaries  wili  not  again  reproach 
the  British  government  with  acting  inconsistently 
^'ilh  its  former  practice  and  principles,  or  repeat  the 
assertion  made  in  a  former  note,  that  a  definition  of 
Indian  boundary,  with  a  view  to  a  neutral  barrier, 
was  a  new  and  unprecedented  demand  by  any  Euro- 
pean power,  and  most  of  all  by  G.  Britain ;  the  very 
instance  selected  by  the  American  plenipotentiaries, 
undeniably  proves  that  such  a  proposition  had  been 
entertained  both  by  G.  Britain  and  France,  and  that 
Mr.  Pitt  on  the  part  of  G.  Britain  had  more  parlicu« 
larly  enforced  it. 


]  \ 


the  twii 
e  woulil 
il  them- 
e  whole 
iijeKly,  it 

y  to  ^• 

roposed 
hill  the 
ieks,  the 
on,  who 
iiclnded 
far  was 
merican 
ring  In- 

the  ne- 
rovision 
y  urges 
i  British 
f  June, 
Canada 

thrown 
the  ex- 
laries  of 
at  must 
(lanada 

nations 
i,  would 

Ihat  the 
?proach 
iistently 
)eal  the 
ition  of 
I  harrier. 
Euro- 
[he  very 
itinriest 
id  been 
lind  that 
)articu« 


APPENDIX. 


4ia 


It  remains  only  to  notice  two  objections  which  the 
Aniencun  plenipotentiaries  have  urged  against  the 
proposal  of  Indian  paciticiilion,  advanced  by  the  un- 
dersigned ;  first,  that  it  is  not  reciprocal :  secondly, 
that  us  the  United  States  cuuld  have  no  security  that 
the  Indian  nations  would  conclude  a  peace  on  the 
terms  proposed,  the  proposition  would  be  in  eftect 
unitaternl. 

The  article  now  proposed  by  the  undersigned,  and 
herewith  enclosed,  is  tree  from  both  objections,  and 
appears  to  them  so  characterised  by  a  spirit  of  mod- 
eration and  peace,  that  they  earnestly  anticipate  the 
concurrence  of  the  American  plenipotentiaries. 

In  making  a  last  effort  in  this  stage  of  the  war,  the 
undersigned  are  not  apprehensive  that  the  motives 
which  have  influenced  his  roval  highness,  the  Prince 
llegcnt  to  direct  a  renewal  of  the  proposition,  with  its 
present  modifications,  can  be  misunderstood  or  mis- 
represented. 

Whatever  may  be  the  result  of  the  proposition  thus 
offered,  tie  undersigned  deliver  it  as  their  ultimatum, 
and  now  await  with  anxiety  the  answer  of  the  Amer- 
ican plenipotentiaries,  on  which  their  continuance  in 
this  place  will  depend. 

The  undersigned  avail  themselves  of  this  oppor- 
tunity of  renewing  to  the  American  plenipotentiaries, 
the  assurance  of  their  high  consideration. 

GAMBIER, 

HENKY  GOULBUHN, 
WILLIAM  ADAMS. 

**  The  U.  States  of 'America  engage  to  put  an  end, 
immediately  afler  the  ratification  of  the  present  treaty, 
to  hostilities,  with  all  the  tribes  or  nations  of  Indians 
with  whom  they  may  be  at  war,  at  the  time  of  such 
ratification,  and  forthwith  to  restore  to  such  tribes  or 
nations,  respectively,  all  the  possessions,  rights  and 
privileges,  whi<^h  they  may  have  enjoyed  or  been  en- 
titled to  in  1811,  previous  to  such  hostilities :  provid- 
ed always,  that  such  tribes  or  nations  shall  agree  to 
desist  from  all  hostilities  against  (he  United  States  of 


k. 


.  1 


•  )■ 


n , 


I 


' 


i 


" '  1 1  i 


V'i'   I 


V 


i(     •! 


i  J 


414 


APPENDIX, 


America,  their  citizens  and  subjects,  upon  the  ratifi- 
cation of  the  present  treaty  being  notified  to  such 
tribes  or  nations,  and  shall  so  desist  accordingly. 

"  And  his  Britannic  majesty  engages,  on  his  part, 
to  put  an  end,  immediately  after  the  ratification  of  the 
present  ti'eaty,  to  hostilities,  with  all  the  tribes  or  na- 
trons of  Indians  with  whom  he  mav  be  at  war,  at  th^ 
lime  of  such  ratification,  and  forthwith  to  restore  to 
toch  tribes  or  nations  respectively,  all  the  possessions, 
tights  and  privileges,  which  they  may  have  enjoyed 
or  been  entitled  to  in  1811,  previous  to  such  hostili* 
ties:  provided  always,  that  such  tribes  or  nations 
shall  agree  to  desist  from  all  hostilities  against  his 
Britannic  majesty  and  his  subjects,  upon  the  ratifica-* 
iioii  of  the  present  treaty  being  notified  to  such  tribes 
or  nations,  and  shall  so  desist  atcordingly.'* 

From  the  American  to  the  British  Commissioners, 

GuLNT,  October  13,  1814. 

The  undersigned  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge 
the  receipt  of  the  note  of  the  plenipotentiaries  of  his 
Brttannic  majesty,  dated  on  the  8th  instant. 

Satisfied  of  the  impossibility  of  persuading  the 
world  that  the  government  of  the  U.  Stales  was  liable 
to  any  Well  founded  imputation  of  a  spirit  of  con- 
quest or  of  injustice  towards  other  nations,  the  under- 
signed, in  aftbrding  explanations  on  several  of  the 
topics  adverted  to  by  the  British  plenipotentiaries  dur- 
ing this  negociatiOn,  were  actuated  by  the  sole  mo- 
tive of  removing  erroneous  impressions. 

Still  influenced  by  the  same  motive,  they  will  now 
add,  that  at  the  tinie  when  the  Spanish  minister  was 
remonstrating  at  Washington  against  the  transfer  of 
Louisiana,  ofders  were  given  by  his  government  for 
its  delivery  to  France :  wat  it  was,  in  fact,  delivered 
a  short  tinie  alt^r  that  reikionstrance  ;  and  that  if  the 
treaty  by  \Vhich  the  U.  States  acquired  it  had  not  been 
ratified,  would  have  become,  of  course,  a  French  col- 
ony. The  undersig^iied  believe  that  the  evidence  of 
theastjentof  Spain  to  that  transfer  has  been  promul- 
gated.   They  neither  admit  the  alledged  disability  of 


il" 


upon  the  ralifi- 
lotified  to  such 
;cordingly. 
es,  on  his  part, 
itiftcation  of  the 
the  tribes  or  na- 
le  at  war,  at  th^ 
ith  to  restore  to 
the  possessions, 
ly  have  enjoyed 
to  such  hostili- 
ibes  or  nations 
ities  against  his 
pon  the  ratifica- 
ed  to  such  tribes 
ngly." 

Dtimmissioners, 
ober  13,  1814. 
to  acknowledge 
>tentiaries  ot  his 
nstant. 

persuading  the 

States  was  liable 

a  spirit  of  con- 

tions,  the  under- 

■n  several  ot  the 

ipotentianes  dur- 

by  the  sole  ino- 

ns. 

e,  they  will  now 
lish  minister  was 
t  the  transfer  of 
government  for 
nfact,  delivered 
and  thai  if  the 
d  it  had  not  been 
je,  a  French  col- 
the  evidence  of 
jas  been  promul- 
Iged  disability  of 


APPENDIX. 


415 


the  Spanislii  luonarch,  nor  the  inference  which  th^ 
British  plenipotentiaries  would  seem  to  deduce  from 
it ;  on  the  contrary,  the  assent  was  voluntarily  given 
in  the  year  18Q4,  by  the  same  king  who,  about  the 
same  time,  ceded  Trinidad  to  G.  Britain,  and  prior 
to  the  time  whien  he  was  again  engaged  in  war  with 
her.  The  cession  by  France  was  immediately  com-r 
municated  to  G.  Britain,  no  circumstance  affecting  it, 
and  then  within  the  knowledge  of  the  U.  States,  be- 
ing intentionally  concealed  from  her.  She  express- 
ed her  satisfaction  with  it;  and  if  in  any  possible 
state  of  the  case  she  would  have  had  a  right  to  ques- 
tion the  transaction,  it  does  not  appear  to  the  under- 
signed that  she  is  now  authorisf.d  to  do  so. 

After  stating,  generally,  that  the  proclamations  of 
Generals  Hull  and  Smyth  were  neither  authorised  noc 
approved  by  their  govtirnmeut,  the  undersigned  could 
not  have  expected  that  the  British  plenipotentiaries 
would  suppose  that  their  statement  did  not  embrace 
the  only  part  of  the  proclamations  which  was  a  sub- 
ject of  consideration. 

The  undersigned  had,  indeed,  hoped,  that,  by 
stating  in  their  note  of  the  9th  ultimo,  that  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  U.  States,  from  the  commencement 
of  the  war,  bad  been  disposed  to  make  peace  without; 
obtaining  any  cession  of  territory,  and  by  referring 
to  their  knowledge  of  that  disposition,  and  to  instruc- 
tions accordingly  given  from  July,  1812,  to  January, 
1814,  they  would  effectually  remove  the  impression 
that  the  annexation  of  Canada  to  the  U,  States  waa 
the  declared  object  of  their  government.  ISot  only 
have  the  undersigned  been  disappointed  in  this  ex- 
pectation, but  the  only  inference  which  the  British 
plenipotentiaries  have  thought  proper  to  draw  from 
this  explicit  statement,  has  been,  that  either  the 
American  government,  by  not  giving  instructions 
subsequent  to  the  pacification  of  Europe,  or  the  un- 
dersigned, by  not  acting  under  such  instructions,  gave 
no  proof  of  a  sincere  desire  to  bring  the  present  ne- 
g'ociations  to  a  favorable  conclusion.  The  undersigu- 
^  did  not  allude,  in  reference  to  the  alledged  inten- 


•  1  I 


<       ;i 


':   I 


III 


'I' 

1 

i 

1 

il 
t 

f 

i    . 

:       1 

I 
; 
1 

i 

'  I.' 

■Hi 
i 

i;i  i 

■  'i 

u 

416 


APPENDIX. 


111! 


(  I 


I  ■! 


i 
y  i 

i;   I! 


I''; 


■.  il 


ril 


i 


tion  to  annex  Canada  to  the  U.  States,  to  any  instruC" 
lions  given  by  their  government  subsequently  to  Jan- 
utiry  last,  because,  asking  at  this  time  for  uu  accession 
of  territory,  it  was  only  of  its  previous  disposition  that 
it  appeared  necessary  to  produce  any  proof.  So  er> 
roneous  was  the  inference  drawn  by  the  British  ple- 
nipotentiaries, ill  both  respects,  that  it  was  in  virtue  of 
the  instructions  ot  June  last,  that  the  undersigned 
"were  enabled,  in  their  note  of  the  24lh  of  August,  to 
state,  that  the  causes  of  tin?  war  betwet  n  the  U.  States 
and  G.  Britain,  having  disappeared,  by  the  maritime 
pacification  of  Europe,  they  had  been  authorised  to 
agree  to  its  termination  upon  a  mutual  restoration  of 
territory,  and  without  maktrtg  Uie  conclusion  of  peace 
to  depend  on  a  successful  arraii<;enient  of  those  points 
on  which  diiferences  had  existed. 

Considering  the  pn  sml  state  of  the  negociation, 
the  undersigned  will  abstain,  at  liiis  time  from  addu- 
cing any  evidence  or  remaiks  upon  the  influence 
which  has  been  exerted  over  the  Indian  tribes  inhab- 
iting the  territories  of  the  CJ.  States,  and  the  nniiiie  of 
those  excitements  which  had  been  employed  by  Bri- 
tish traders  and  agents. 

The  arguments  and  facts  already  brought  forward 
by  the  undersigned,  respecting  the  polilu  al  condition 
of  those  tribes,  render  it  unnecessary  for  them  to  make 
many  observations  on  those  of  the  British  pienipoten- 
tiaries  on  that  subject.  The  treaties  of  1 703,  and 
1783,  were  those  princi|iaily  alluded  to  b^  the  un- 
dersigned, to  illustrate  the  practice  of  G.  Briliiin. 
She  did  not  admit  in  the  first,  nor  require  in  the  last, 
any  stipulations  respecting  the  Indians  who,  in  one 
case,  had  been  her  enemies,  and  in  the  other,  her  al- 
lies, and  who, in  both  instances,  feil  by  the  peace  with- 
in the  dominions  of  that  power  against  wt>an  they  had 
been  engaged  in  the  preceding  war. 

The  negociation  of  17(51  was  quoted  for  the  pur- 

{»08e  of  proving,  what  appears  to  bo  fnl!y  es'al 'i^^hed 
)y  the  answer  of  England  to  the  ulttniMlum  ot  I'^iiiuce 
delivered  on  the  first  ot  Sejjtombir  ol  Jhiil  v;  •(!•.  that 
his  Britannic  majesty  would  not  renounce  his  right  of 


t> 


1!^ 


APPENDIX. 


417 


I  to  auy  insti'UC'- 
iquently  to  Jan- 
for  uii  accession 
disposition  that 

proof.  So  er- 
tlie  British  pie- 
was  in  virtue  of 
he  niitlersij»'ned 
I  of  August,  to 

n  the  U.  States 
)y  the  maritime 
!i  authorised  to 
al  restoration  of 
elusion  of  peace 
it  of  those  points 

he  necrociatiout 
I  me  from  addu- 
(I  the  intineikce 
an  tribes  iohub- 
nd  the  naUii  e  of 
ployed  by  Bri- 

M'oug'ht  forward 

ilu  al  condition 

3r  them  to  make 

lish  plenipoten- 

of  17G3,  and 

to  b)  the  un- 

?  of  G.  Britain. 

uire  iii  the  last, 

ins  who,  in  one 

e  other,  her  al- 

lh«'  jieure  with- 

wi)>mthey  had 

ed  for  the  pur- 

il!y   eslali'»shed 

Mtuni  ot  FiiViCe 

that  voar.    ihat 

mce  liis  right  of 


IS 


i:- 


protection  over  the  Indian  nations  reputed  to  be  withr 
m  his  dom'mions,  that  is  to  say^  between  the  British 
settlements  and  the'  Mississippi.  Mr.  Pitt*s  letter, 
cited  by  the  British  plenipotentiaries,  far  from  contra- 
dictini^  that  position,  goes  still  further.  It  states  that 
Hhe  fixation  of  the  new  limits  to  Canada,  as  propua> 
ed  by  France,  is  intended  to  shorten  the  extent  of 
Canada,  which  was  to  be  ceded  to  England,  and  to 
lengthen  the  boundaries  of  Louisiana,  which  France 
was  to  keep,  and  in  the  view  to  establish  what  musfc 
not  be  admitted,  namely,  that  all  which  is  not  Canada 
is  Louisiana,  whereby  all  the  intermediate  nations 
and  countries,  the  true  barrier  to  each  province,  would 
be  given  up  to  France.'  This  is  precisely  the  princU 
pie  uniformly  supported  by  the  umlersigned,  to  wit* 
that  the  recognition  of  a  boundary  gives  up  to  the 
nation,  in  whose  behalf  it  is  made,  all  the  Indian 
tribes  and  countries  within  that  boundary.  It  was  oa 
this  principle  that  the  undersigned  have  confidently 
relied  on  the  treaty  of  1783,  what  fixes  and  recognis- 
es the  boundary  of  the  U.  States,  without  making  any 
reservation  respecting  Indian  tribes. 

But  the  British  plenipotentiaries,  unable  to  produce 
a  solitary  precedent  of  one  European  power  treating 
for  the  savages  inhabiting  within  the  dominions  <^* 
another,  have  been  compelled,  in  support  of  their 
principle,  to  refer  to  the  German  empire,  a  body  con- 
sisting of  several  independent  states,  recognized  as 
such  by  the  whole  world,  and  separately  maintaining 
with  foreign  powers  the  relations  belonging  to  such 
a  condition.  Can  it  be  necessary  to  prove  that  there 
is  ab  sort  of  analogy  between  the  political  situation  of 
these  civilized  conimunitities,  and  that  of  the  wan- 
dering tribes  of  North  American  savages? 

In  referring  to  what  the  British  plenipotentiariep 
represent  as  alarming  and  novel  pretensions,  what 
<j.  Britain  can  never  recognise,  the  undersigned 
might  complain  that  these  allectged  pretensions  have 
not  been  stated,  either  in  terms  or  in  substance,  as  ex- 
pressed by  themselves.  This,  however,  is  the  le»s 
63 


?     ! 


<  t 


i   ! 
i   ' 


!  t 


iil 


418 


AW'ENDIX. 


*! 


1% 


k-\  i  If 


material,  as  any  further  recognition  of  tliem  by  G  ■ 
Britain  is  not  necessary  nor  required.  On  the  other 
hand,  they  can  never  admit  nor  recognize  the  princi- 
ples or  prctenions  asserted  in  the  course  of  this  cor- 
respondence by  the  British  plenipotentiaries,  and 
nvhich,  to  them,  appear  novel  and  ahirniing. 

The  article  proposed  by  the  British  plenipotentia- 
ries, in  their  last  note,  not  including  the  Indian  tribes 
as  parties  in  the  peace,  and  leaving  the  U.  States  free 
to  effect  its  object  in  the  mode  consonant  with  the  re- 
lations which  they  have  constantly  maintained  with 
those  tribes,  partaking  also  of  the  nature  of  an  amnesty, 
ond  being  at  the  same  time  reciprocal,  is  not  liable 
to  that  objection  ;  and  accords  with  the  views  uni- 
formly professed  by  the  undersigned,  of  placing 
these  tribes  precisely,  and  in  every  respect,  in  the 
same  situation  as  (hat  in  which  they  stood  before  the 
commencement  of  hostilities.  This  article,  thus  pro- 
posing only  what  the  undersigned  have  so  often  aS'- 
sured  the  British  plenipotentiaries  would  necessarily 
follow,  if  indeed  it  has  not  already,  as  is  highly  proli- 
able,  preceded  a  peace  between  G.  Britain  and  the 
United  States.  The  undesigned  agree  to  admit  it, 
in  substance,  as  a  provisional  article,  subject,  in  the 
manner  originall;  proposed  by  the  British  govern- 
ment, to  the  approbation  or  rejection  of  the  govern- 
ment of  the  U.  States,  which,  having  given  no  in- 
structions to  the  undersigned  on  tliis  point,  cannot  be 
bound  by  any  article  they  may  admit  on  the  subject. 
<  It  will,  of  course,  be  understood,  that  if,  unhappily 
peace  should  not  be  the  result  of  the  present  negocia- 
tion,  the  article  thus  conditionally  agreed  to  shalL  be 
of  no  effect,  and  shall  not,  in  any  future  negociation, 
be  brought  forward  by  either  party,  by  way  of  argu- 
ment or  precedent. 

Thisa.-ticle  having  been  presented  as  an  indispen- 
sible  preliminary, and  bein<r  now  accepted,  the  un- 
dersigned request  the  British  plenipotentiaries  to  com- 
municate to  them  the  project  of  a  treaty  embracing 
all  the  points  deemed  material  by  G.  Britain  ;  the  un- 
dersigned engaging  on  their  part  to  deliver  imtuedt- 


«•; 


of  tliem  by  G. 

On  the  "other 
;iiize  the  priiici- 
ii'se  of  this  cor- 
[>tentiaries,  and 
rniing. 

h  plenipotentia- 
e  Indian  tribes 
e  U.  States  free 
int  MvHh  the  re- 
naintained  with 
e  of  an  amnesty, 

is  not  liable 
the  views  uni- 
ed,  of  placing 
respect,  in  the 
tood  before  the 
irticle,  thus  pro- 
ve so  often  as- 
»uld  necessarily 
s  is  highly  proli- 
Britain  and  the 
ree  to  admit  it, 
subject,  in  the 
British  govern- 
oftlie  govern- 
ig  given  no  in- 
point,  cannot  be 
t  on  the  subject, 
at  if,  unhappily 
present  negucia- 
reed  to  shall  be 
ure  negociation, 
f  way  ofargu- 

as  an  indispen- 
cepted,  the  un- 
entiaries  to  com- 
eaty  embracing 
3ritain ;  the  uii- 
deliver  imtaedi- 


APPENDIX. 


419 


ately  after,  a  counter  project  with  respect  to  all  the 
articles  to  which  they  may  not  agree,  and  on  the  sub- 
jects deemed  material  by  the  U.  States,  and,  which 
may  be  omitted  in  the  British  project. 


J.  a  ADAMS, 
J.  A.  BAYARD, 
H.  CLAY,      ...   ■ 


JONA.  RUSSELL, 
A.  GAU^ATIiN. 


j)  ■.,■■.!  I  i 


The  British  to  the  American  Commiss'*oiiers. 
Ghent,  October  21,  1814. 

The  undersigned  have  had  the  honor  of  receiving 
the  note  of  the  American  plenipotentiaries  of  the  13th 
inst.  communicating  their  acceptance  of  the  article 
which  the  undersigned  had  proposed  on  the  subject 
of  the  pacification  and  rights  of  the  Indian  natioiis. 

The  und'^rsigned  are  happy  in  being  thus  relieved 
from  the  necessity  of  recurring  to  several  topics, 
which  though  they  arose  in  the  course  of  their  discus- 
sions, have  only  an  incidental  connection  with  Ihv? 
difference  remaining  to  be  adjusted  between  the  two 
countries. 

With  a  view  to  this  adjustment  the  undersigned 
prefering  in  the  present  state  oi  the  negociation  a 
general  statement  of  the  formal  arrangement  of  arti- 
cles, are  willing  so  far  to  comply  with  the  request  of  the 
American  plenipotentiaries  containedin  their  last  note, 
as  to  wave  the  advantages  to  which  they  think  they 
were  fairly  entitled,  of  requiring  from  them  the  first 
project  of  a  treaty. 

The  undersigned  having  stated  at  the  first  confer- 
ence the  points  upon  which  his  majesty's  government 
considered  the  discussions  between  the  two  countries 
as  likely  to  turn,  cannot  better  satisfy  the  request  pf 
the  American  plenipotentiaries  than  by  referring 
them  to  that  conference  for  a  statement  of  the  points 
which,  in  the  opinion  of  his  majesty's  government  yet 
remains  to  be  adjusted. 

With  respect  to  the  forcible  seizure  of  mariners 
from  on  board  merchant  vessels  on  the  high  seas,  and 
the  right  of  the  king  of  G.  Britain  to  the  allegiance  of 
all  his  subjects,  and  with  respect  to  the  maritime 


\  \'< 


1  i 


>  I 


i  ^ 


I     <■ 
if    { 


«  I 


;^ 


:     I 


i'i     ■  ! 


:'=i 


•I  '|![| 


I  i 


"  1  i 


420 


APPENDIX. 


rifrhts  of  the  British  em|»ire  the  underKicrned  conceive, 
that  after  the  pretentions  asserted  by  the  guvernnient 
of  the  U.  States,  a  more  satisfactory  proof  of  the 
conciliatory  spirit  of  his  Majesty's  government  catmot 
be  given  than  not  requiring  any  stipulation  on  those 
subjects,  which  though  most  important  in  themselvr:«, 
no  longer  in  consequence  of  the  maritime  pacitica- 
tiun  ot  Europe,  produce  the  same  practical  results. 

On  the  subject  of  the  fisheries  the  undersigned  ex- 
pressed with  so  much  frankness  at  the  conference  al- 
ready refered  to,  the  views  of  their  government,  that 
they  consider  any  further  observations  on  that  topic 
as  unnecessary  at  the  present  time. 

On  the  question  of  the  boundary  between  the  do- 
minions ot  his  majesty  and  tliose  of  the  U.  States, 
the  undersigned  are  led  to  expect  from  the  discus- 
sion which  this  subject  has  already  undergone,  that 
the  north  west  boundary  from  the  lake  of  the  Woods 
to  the  Mississippi,  the  intended  arrangement  of  1803, 
"will  be  admitted  without  objection. 

In  regard  to  other  boundaries  the  American  pleni- 
potentiaries in  their  note  of  August  24th,  appeared  in 
some  measure  to  object  to  the  propositions  then  made 
by  the  undersigned  as  the  basis  of  «(t  possidetis. 
The  undersigned  are  willing  to  treat  on  that  basis, 
subject  to  such  modifications  as  mutual  convenience 
may  be  found  to  require,  and  they  trust  that  the 
American  plenipolentiaries  will  shew  by  their  ready 
acceptance  of  this  basis,  that  they  duly  appreciate  the 
moderation  of  his  majesty's  government  in  so  far  con- 
sulting the  honor  and  fair  pretensions  of  the  U.  States 
as  in  the  relative  situation  of  the  two  countries,  to 
authorise  such  a  proposition. 

The  undersigned  avail  themselves  of  this  opportu- 
nity to  renew  to  the  American  plenipotentiaries,  the 
f^ssurance  of  their  high  considertion. 

GAMBIEK,  -« 
'          '  HENRY  GOULBURN, 
WILLIAM  ADAMS.  > 


,'■1      ')f..!   C 


'  ■;!-'; 


1-* 


APPENDIX. 


41:1 


ned  conceive, 
le  governnieni 
proof  of  the 
iinient  cannot 
tioii  oil   those 
in  theraselvrs, 
time  p&citica- 
ical  results, 
idersigiied  ex- 
conferenee  al- 
vernment,  that 
on  that  topic 

itween  the  do- 
the  U.  States, 
ni  the  discus- 
idergone,  that 
of  the  Woods 
ement  of  1803, 

merican  pleni- 

th,  appeared  in 

ions  then  made 

uti  posstdelis. 

on  thRt  basis, 

convenience 

trust  that  the 

>y  their  ready 

appreciate  the 

it  in  so  far  con- 

the  U.  States 

countries,  to 

if  this  opportu- 
lotentiaries,  the 


Uv 


Ji.t-V 


ULBURN, 
.DAMS. 


The  American  to  the  British  Commissioners. 
Ghent,  October  24,  1814. 

The  undersigned  have  tlie  honor  to  ack<iu\% ledge 
the  receipt  of  the  note  of  the  British  plenipotentiaries 
of  the  21st  iiist. 

Amongst  the  general  observations  which  the  un- 
dersigned, in  their  note  of  the  24th  Aug.  madeoti  the 
repositions  then  brought  forward  on  the  part  of  the 

rilish  government,  they  remarked  thatthose  proposi- 
tions were  founded  neitner  on  the  basis  ot  uti  possidc" 
tis,  nor  on  that  of  status  ante  bellum.  But  so  far  were 
they  trom  suggesting  the  uti  possidetis  as  the  basis  on 
winch  they  were  disposed  to  treat,  that  in  the  same  note 
they  expressly  stated  that  they  had  been  instructed  to 
conclude  a  peace  on  the  principles  of  both  parties  re- 
storing whatever  territory  tliey  might  have  taken. 
Tiie  undersigned  also  declared  in  that  note,,  that  tliey 
had  no  authority  to  cede  any  part  of  the  territory  of 
the  U.  Statt'S,  and  that  to  no  stipulation  to  that  enect 
would  they  subscribe ;  and  in  the  not^  of  the 9th  Sept. 
after  having  shewn  that  the  busts  of  uti  possidetis, such 
as  was  known  to  exist  at  the  commencement  of  the 
negocialion,  gave  no  claim  to  his  Britannic  majesty 
to  cession  oi'  territory  founded  upon  the  right  of  con- 
quest, they  added  that  even  if  the  chances  of  war 
should  give  to  the  British  arms  a  momentary  posses- 
sion of  other  parts  of  the  territory  of  the  U.  States, 
such  events  would  not  alter  their  views  with  regard 
to  the  terms  of  peace  to  which  they  would  give  their 
consent. 

The  undersigned  can  now  only  repeat  those  de- 
clarations and  decline  treating  upon  the  basis  of  ut't 
possidetis,  or  upon  any  other  principle  involving  a 
cessionof  any  part  of  the  territory  of  the  U.  States. 
As  they  have  uniformly  stated,  they  can  treat  only 
upon  the  principle  of  mutual  restoralion  of  whatever 
territory  may  have  been  taken  by  either  party.  From 
this  principle  they  cannot  recede,  and  the  undersign- 
ed after  the  repeated  declarations  of  the  British  Ple- 
nipotentiaries, that  G.  Britain  had  uq  view  to  acqui- 
sition of  territory,  in  this  negociation,  deem  it  neces- 


i  1 


■'i  t 


I  ! 


422 


AWESBIX. 


u  ■'■' 


I  )  I 


I,: 


sary  to  add,  that  the  utility  of  its  continuance  depends 
on  their  adherence  to  this  principle. 

The  undersigned  having  declared  in  their  note  of 
the  21st  of  Aug.  that  although  instructed  and  pu;  ar- 
ed  to  enter  into  an  amicable  discussion  of  all  the 
points,  on  which  differences  or  uncertainty  had  ex- 
isted, and  which  might  hereafter  tend  to  interrupt 
the  harmony  of  the  two  countries,  they  would  not 
make  the  conclusion  of  the  peace  at  all  depend  ui>on 
a  sucessful  result  of  the  discussion,  and  having  since 
agreed  to  the  preliminary  article  proposed  by  the 
British  government,  had  believed  that  the  negocia- 
tion  already  so  long  protracted,  could  not  be  brought 
to  an  early  conclusion,  otherwise  than  by  the  commu- 
nication of  a  project  embracing  all  the  other  specific 
propositions  which  G.  Britain  intended  to  offer. 
They  repeat  their  request  in  that  respect  and  will 
have  no  objection  to  a  simultaneous  exchange  of  the 
projects  of  both  parties.  This  course  will  bring  fair- 
ly into  discussion  the  other  topics  embraced  in  the 
last  note  of  the  British  plenipotentiaries,  to  which  the 
undersigned  have  thought  it  necessary  to  advert  at  the 
present  time. 

The  undersigned  renew  to  the  British  plenipoten- 
tiaries the  assurance  of  their  high  consideration. 


J.  a  ADAMS, 
J.  A.  BAYARD, 
H.  CLAY, 


JONATHAN  RUSSELL, 
ALBERT  GALLATIN. 


I!lf 


I      ■ 


The  British  to  the  American  Commissioners 

Ghent,  Oct.  31st,  1814. 

The  undersigned  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge 
the  receipt  of  the  note  addressed  to  them  by  the  Amer- 
ican plenipotentiaries  on  the  24th  inst.  in  which  ttiey 
object  to  the  basis  of  uli  possidetis  proposed  by  the  un- 
dersigned as  that  on  which  they  are  willing  to  treat  in 
regard  to  part  of  the  boundaries  between  the  do- 
minions of  his  Majesty  and  those  of  the  U.  States. 

The  American  plenipotentiaries  in  their  note  of  the 
13lh  inst.  requested  the  undersigned  to  communicate 
to  them  the  project  of  a  treaty  embracing   all  the 


'i' 


lance  depends 

I  their  note  of 
id  and  pu;  wr- 
on  of  all  the 
linty   had   ex- 
I   to   interrupt 
lev  would  not 
I  'depend  ui>on 
d  having  since 
ipcsed   by   the 
t  the  negocia- 
not  be  brought 
by  the  commu- 
>  other  specific 
ided  to    offer, 
ipect  and  will 
xchange  oftlie 
will  bring  fair- 
ibraced  in  the 
},  to  which  the 
to  advert  at  the 

ish  plenipoten- 
lideration. 
lUSSELL, 
LATIN. 


nmissioners 
t.  3i8t,  1814. 
o  acknowledge 
sni  by  the  Amer- 
;.  in  which  they 
)osed  by  tba  un- 
'illing  to  treat  in 
itween   the  do- 
le  U.  States, 
their  note  of  the 
communicate 
>racing   all  the 


APPENDIX. 


423 


points  insisted  on  by  G.Britain,  eiij^'aging  on  their 
part  to  deliver  immediately  after  a  contre  project  as  to 
all  the  articles  to  which  they  might  not  agree,  and  as 
to  all  the  subjects  deemed  material  by  the  U.  States, 
and  omitted  in  the  project  of  the  undersigned. 

The  undersigned  were  accordingly  instructed  to 
wave  the  question  of  etiquette  and  the  advantage 
which  might  result  from  receiving  the  first  commu- 
nication, and,  confiding  in  the  engagement  of  the 
American  plenipotentiaries,  communicated  in  their 
note  of  the  21st  inst.  all  the  points  upon  which  they 
are  instructed  to  insist. 
The  American  plenipotentiaries  have  objected  to  one 
essential  part  of  the  project  thus  communicated :  but 
before  the  undersigned  can  enter  into  the  discussion  on 
this  objection,  they  must  require  from  the  American 
plenipotentiaries  that,  pursuant  to  their  engagement, 
they  will  deliver  a  contre  project  containing  all  their 
objections  to  the  points  submitted  by  the  undersigned 
together  with  a  statement  of  such  further  points  as 
the  government  of  the  U.  States  consider  to  be  ma- 
terial. 

The  undersigned  are  authorized  to  stat ;  distinctly, 
that  the  article  as  to  the  pacification  and  rights  of  the  In- 
dian nations  having  been  accepted,  they  have  brought 
forward  in  their  note  of  the  21st  inst.  all  the  proposi- 
tions they  have  to  offer.  They  have  no  farther  de- 
mands to  make,  no  other  stipulations  on  which  they 
are  instructed  to  insist,  and  they  are  empowered  to 
sign  a  treaty  of  peace  forthwith  in  conformity  with 
those  stated  in  their  former  note. 

The  undersigned  trust  therefore  that  the  American 
plenipotentiaries  will  no  longer  hesitate  to  bring  for- 
ward in  the  form  of  articles  or  otherwise,  as  they  may 
prefer,  those  specific  propositions  upon  which  they 
are  empowered  to  sign  a  treaty  of  peace  between  the 
two  countries. 

!  GAMBIER,       ' 

HENRY  GOULBTTRN, 
W.  ADAMS. 


i  ! 


^- 


1 1 

•  ■  J 


1 ; 


424 


I  : 


AVPENTIIX. 

TREATY  OF  PEACE. 
JAMES  MADISON, 


<',\->,h 


'I  in: 


PaRSIOINl'  ••»   iHt,  UMTtD  sTA'lGx  utf  aMKBICA; 


Ti^  all  undsinyvlar  to  whim  these  presents  »hall  CQme, 
Greettwf  :  .(  <('!  .u  i,<j;,.ii.i  f...;: 

WHEKEAS  a  treaty  of  peace  and  amity  between 
the  Uniled  Slates  of  Amcric^H,  and  hiit  BnlaiiQic  ma- 
jesty was  signed  ut  Ghent,  on  the  twenty-fourth  day 
of  December,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  tiiid  four- 
teen, by  the  pleni|K>leiiti;irieR  respectively  apf)ointed 
for  that  purpose  ;  and  the  said  treaty  having  been,  by 
and  witli  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  senate  of  the 
United  States,  duly  accepted,  ratified,  and  confirnied, 
on  the  seventeenth  day  of  February,  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  titieen  ;  and  ratifie<t  copies  thereof 
having  been  exchanged  agreeably  totlie  tenor  of  the 
said  treaty,  which  is  ni  the  words  following,  to  wit ; 
Treat}/  of  peace  and  amity  between  his  Britannic 

Majesty  and  the  United  Utates  of  America. 
His  Britannic  majesty  and  tiie  United  l!^tates  of 
America,  desirous  of  terminating  the  war  which  has 
unhappily  subsisted  between  the  two  countries^,  and 
of  restoring,  upon  principles  of  perfect  reciprocity, 
peiice>  friendship,  and  good  understanding  between 
them,  have,  for  that  purpose,  appointed  their  respec- 
tive plenipotentiaries,  that  is  to  say :  his  Britannic 
majesty,  on  his  part,  has  appointed  the  right  honorable 
James  lord  Gambler,  late  Admiral  of  the  white,  now 
Admiral  of  the  red  squadron  of  his  majesty's  fleet, 
Henry  Gaulburn,  Esquire,  a  member  of  the  imperial 
parliament  and  under  secretary  of  state,  and  William 
Adams.  Esqnire,  doctor  of  civil  laws : — and  the  Pre- 
sident of  the  United  States,  by  and  with  the  advice 
and  consent  of  the  senate  thereof,  has  appointed  John 
Quincy  Adams,  James  A.  Bayard,  Henry  Clay, 
Jonathan  Russell,  and  Albert  Gallatint  citizens  of 
the  United  States,  who,  after  a'reciprocal  communi- 
cation of  their  respective  full  powers,  have  agreed  up- 
on the  following  articles : 


ih 


if 


1 1 


'.  i'l  III;  ; 

ent$  shali  comCt 

amity  between 
I  Brilaiioic  nia- 
nty-t'ourth  day 
ilred  niid  four- 
ve\y  ap(M>inted 
haviii|^  been,  by 
e  senate  of  the 
and  confirmed, 
,  one  thousand 
1  copies  thereof 
lie  tenor  of  the 
)wing,  to  wit ; 
his  Britannic 
f  America. 
lited  i^tates  of 
war  which  has 
countries,  and 
6ct  reciprocity, 
nding  between 
id  their  respec- 
:  his  Britannic 
right  honorable 
the  white,  now 
majesty's  fleet, 
of  the  imperial 
e,and  Wiiliam 
; — and  the  Pre- 
fi^ith  the  advice 
appointed  John 
,  Henry    Clay, 
tint  citizens  uf 
rocal  communi- 
[lave  agreed  up- 


Ai»PENnix. 


A2o 


ARTICLK  THE  FIRST. 

There  shall  b('  u  tirm  and  universal  peace  between 
his  firitannic  majesty  and  the  United  States,  and  be- 
tween Iheir  respective  countries,  territories,  cities, 
towns,  and  people,  of  every  degree,  without  exception 
of  places  or  persons.  All  hostilities,  both  by  sea  and 
land,  shall  cease  as  soon  as  this  treaty  shall  have  been 
ratified  by  both  parties,  as  hereinafter  mentioned. 
All  territory,  places  and  possessions  whatsoever,  taken 
from  either  party  by  the  oilier,  during  the  war,  or 
which  may  be  taken  after  the  signing  of  this  treaty, 
excepting  only  the  islands  hereinafter  mentioned,  shall 
be  restored  without  delay,  and  without  causing  any 
destruction,  or  carrying  away  any  of  the  artillery  or 
other  public  property  originally  captured  in  the  said 
forts  or  places,  and  which  shall  remain  liierein  upon 
the  exchange  of  the  ratifications  of  this  treaty,  or  any 
slaves  or  otlier  private  property.  And  all  archives, 
records,  deeds,  and  papers,  either  of  a  public  nature, 
or  belonging  to  private  persons,  which,  in  the  course 
of  the  war,  may  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  offi- 
cers of  either  party,  shall  be,  as  far  as  may  be  prac- 
ticable, forthwith  restored  and  delivered  to  the  prop- 
er authorities  and  persons  to  whom  they  respectively 
belong.  Such  of  the  islands  in  the  bay  of  Piis- 
samaquaddy  as  are  claimed  by  both  parties,  shall 
remain  in  the  possession  of  the  party  in  whose  occu- 
pation they  may  be  at  the  time  of  the  exchange  of 
the  ratifications  of  this  treaty,  until  the  decision  res- 
pecting the  title  to  the  said  islands  shall  have  been 
made  in  conformity  with  the  fourth  article  of  this 
treaty.  No  disposition  made  by  this  treaty,  as  to 
ftuch  possession  of  the  islands  and  territories  claimed 
by  both  parties,  shall,  in  any  manner  whatever,  be 
construed  to  aflect  the  right  of  either. 

AUTICLE  THE  SECOND. 

Immediately  after  the  ratifications  of  this  treaty  by 
both  parties,  as  hereinafter  mentioned,  orders  shall 
be  sent  to  the  armies,  squadrons,  officers,  subjects 
and  citizens,  of  the  two  powers  to  cease  from  all  hns- 


:  f'f   ; 


. 


If 


i'll 


iu| 


J 

ill! 


15  I 


,.:ll; 


i'i 


I. 


iii 


B 


ill  I 


420 


APP£M01\', 


tilities  :  and  to  prevent  all  causes  of  coiiiplaiiit  ^h\c(» 
noij^ht  arise  on  acconnt  of  the  prizes  which  may  lib 
taken  at  sea  after  the  said  ratifications  of  this  treaty, 
it  is  reciprocally  agreed,  that  all  vessels  and  effects 
tvhich  may  be  taken  after  the  space  of  twelve  days 
from  the  Niiid  ratifications,  upon  all  parts  of  the  const 
of  ?4orth  America,  from  the  latitude  of  twenty-three 
deg:rees  north,  to  the  latitude  of  fifty  degrees  north, 
and  as  far  eastward  in  the  Atlantic  ocean,  us  the 
thirty-sixth  degree  of  west  longitude  from  the  meridi- 
an of  Greenwich,  shall  be  restored  to  each  side. 
That  the  time  shall  be  thirty  days  in  all  other  parts 
of  the  Atlantic  ocean,  north  of  the  equinoctial  line  or 
equator,  and  the  same  time  for  the  British  and  Irish 
channels,  for  the  Gulf  of  Mo:-:ico  and  all  parts  of  the 
West-Indies  ;  forty  days  for  the  North  seas,  for  the 
Baltic,  and  for  all  parts  of  the  Mediterranean;  sixty 
days  for  the  Atlantic  ocean  south  of  the  equator  as 
far  as  the  latitude  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope ;  ninety 
days  for  every  part  of  the  world  south  of  the  equator ; 
and  one  hundred  and  twenty  days  for  all  other  partn 
of  the  world,  without  exception. 

ARTICLE  THE  TUIliD. 

All  prisoners  of  war  taken  on  either  side,  as  welt 
by  land  as  by  sea,  shall  be  restored  as  soon  as  prac- 
ticable after  the  ratification  of  this  treaty,  as  herein- 
after mentioned,  on  their  paying  the  debts  which  they 
may  have  contracted  during  their  captivity.  The 
two  contracting  parties  respectively  engage  to  dis« 
charge  in  specie,  the  advances  which  may  nave  been 
made  by  the  other  for  the  sustenance  and  mainten- 
ance of  such  prisoners. 

ARTICLE  THE  FOURTH. 

Whereas  it  was  stipulated  by  the  second  article  in 
the  treaty  of  peace,  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  eighty-three,  between  his  Britannic  majesty  and 
the  United  States  of  America,  that  the  boundary  of 
the  United  States  should  comprehend  all  islands 
M'ithin  twenty  leagues  of  any  part  of  the  shores  of  the 
United  States,  and  lying  between  lines  to  be  drawn 
due  eaiit  from  the  points  where  the  aforesaid  bounda^ 


APPENDIX. 


427 


ne^f  belwccii  Nova  Scotia,  on  the  one  pnrt,  nnd  En%l 
jPMorida  on  the  other,  shall  reHpectively  touch  the  Bay 
uf  Fuiiilay,  and  the  Atlantic  ocean,  excepting  such 
islandN  as  now  ai'e,  or  heretofore  have  heen,  within 
the  limits  of  Nova  Scotia  ;  and  whereas  the  several 
islands  in  the  B;iy  of  Passamnqnoddy,  which  is  part 
of  the  Bay  of  Fnndv«  and  the  island  of  Grand  Menaii 
in  the  said  Bay  of  Fundy,  are  claimed  by  the  United 
States  as  being  comprehended  within  their  aforesaid 
boundaries,  which  said  islands  are  clai'ned  as  belong* 
ing  to  his  Britannic  majesty,  as  havi  .g  been  at  the 
tinve  of,  and  previous  to,  the  aforesaid  treaty  of  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-three  within  the 
limits  of  the  province  of  Nova  Scotia :  in  order,  there- 
fore, finally  to  decide  upon  these  claims,  it  is  agreed 
that  they  shall  be  referred  to  two  commissioners,  to 
be  appointed  in  the  following  manner,  viz.  one  com- 
missioner aihall  l»e  appointed  by  his  Britannic  majes- 
ty, and  one  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  by 
and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  senate  thereof, 
and  th<?  said  two  commissioners  so  appointed  shall 
be  sworn  impartially  to  examine  and  decide  upon  the 
gaid  claims  according  to  such  evidence  as  shall  bo 
laid  before  them  on  the  part  of  his  Britannic  majesty 
and  of  the  United  Stales  respectively.  The  said 
commissioners  shall  meet  at  St.  Andrews,  in  the  pro- 
vince of  New  Brunswick,  and  shall  have  power  to  ad- 
journ to  such  other  place  or  places  as  they  shall  think 
fit.  The  said  commissioners  shall,  by  a  declaration 
or  report  under  their  hands  and  seals,  decide  to  which 
of  the  two  contracting  parties  the  several  islands  afore- 
said da  respectively  belong,  in  conformity  with  the  true 
intent  of  the  said  treaty  of  peace  of  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  eighty-three.  And  if  the  said  commis- 
sioners shall  agree  in  their  decision,  both  parties 
shall  consider  such  decision  as  Hnal  and  conclusive. 
It  is  further  agreed,  that  in  the  event  of  the  two  com- 
missioners differing  upon  all  or  any  of  the  matters 
so  referred  to  them,  or  in  the  event  of  both  or  either 
of  the  said  commissioners  retusujg  or  declining,  or 
wilfully  omitting  to  act  as  such,  they  shall  inuke* 


)' 


t 


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i 

i  '>  ' 

;}t 

■       ■; 

\ 

1 

1 
i 

428 


APPENDIX. 


'<    i 


\»< 


':      i, 


. 


I    i 


I    I 


iSI; 


jointly  or  separately,  a  report  or  reports,  as  well  to 
the  government  of  his  Britannic  majesty  as  to  that  of 
the  United  States,  statnig  in  derail  the  points  on 
which  they  ditiPer,  and  the  grounds  upon  which  their 
respective  opinions  have  been  formed,  or  the  grounds 
upon  which  they,  or  either  of  them,  have  so  refused, 
declined,  or  omitted  to  act.  Aud  his  Britannic  ina- 
jesty,  and  the  government  of  the  United  States  here- 
by agree  to  refer  the  report  or  reports  of  the  said  com- 
missioners, to  some  friendly  sovereign  or  state,  to  be 
then  named  for  that  purpose,  and  who  shall  be  re- 
quested to  decide  on  the  diffierences  which  may  be 
stated  in  the  said  report  or  reports,  or  upon  the  report 
of  one  commissioner,  together  with  the  grounds  upon 
which  the  other  cuimnissioner  shall  have  refused,  de- 
clined, or  omitted  to  act  as  tiie  case  may  be. 
And  if  the  commissioners  so  refusing,  declining, 
or  omitting  to  act,  shall  also  wilfully  omit  to 
state  the  grounds  upon  which  he  has  so  done,  in  such 
manner  that  the  said  statement  may  be  referred  to 
such  friendly  sovereign  or  state,  together  with  the  re- 
port of  such  other  commissioner,  then  such  sovereign 
or  state  shall  decide  ex  parte  upon  the  said  report 
alone.  And  his  Britannic  majesty  and  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States  engage  to  consider  the  de- 
cision of  some  friendly  sovereign  or  state  to  be  such 
and  conclusive  on  all  the  matters  so  referred. 

ARTICLE  THE  FJFTH. 

Whereas  neither  that  point  of  the  highlands  lying 
due  north  from  the  source  of  the  river  St.  Croix,  and 
designated  in  the  former  treaty  of  peace  between  the 
two  powers  as  the  northwest  angle  of  Nova  Scotia, 
now  the  norlh- westernmost  head  of  Connecticut  riv- 
er has  not  been  ascertained  ;  and  whereas  that  part 
of  the  boundary  line  between  the  dominion  of  the 
two  powers  which  extends  from  the  source  of  the 
river  St.  Croix  directly  north  to  the  abovementioned 
north-west  angle  of  Nova  Scotia,  thence  along  the 
said  highlands  which  divide  those  rivers  that  empty 
themselves  into  the  river  St.  Lawrence  from  those 
which  fall  into  the  Atlantic  ocean  to  the  north-west-^ 


1 


,  as  well  to 
IS  to  that  of 
3   points   on 
which  their 
the  grouuds 
s  so  refused, 
•itannic  ma- 
Stales  here- 
hesaid  coin- 
r  state,  to  be 
shall  be  re- 
tich  may  be 
on  the  report 
rounds  upon 
refused,  de- 
ise  may    be. 
r,    declining, 
ally   omit    to 
done,  in  such 
\ye  referred  to 
•  with  the  re- 
ch  sovereign 
said  report 
the  govern- 
isider  the  de- 
,e  to  be  such 
red. 

Iilands  lying 
l.  Croix,  and 
1  between  the 
Jova  Scotia, 
lecticut  riv- 
leas  that  part 
liinion  of  the 
i)urce  of  the 
^ementioned 
along  tho 
I  that  empty 
from  those 
north-west-5 


APPENPIX. 


42l» 


€rnmost  head  of  Connecticut  river,  thence  down 
along  the  middle  of  the  river  to  the  I'erty-tifth  degree 
of  north  latitude ;  thence  by  a  line  due  west  on  said 
latitude  until  it  strikes  the  river  Iroquois  or  Catarag- 
ny,  has  not  yet  been  surveyed : — It  is  agreed  that  for 
those  several  purposes  two  commissioners  shall  be  ap- 
pointed, sworn  and  authorised,  to  act  exactly  in  the 
manner  directed  M'ith  respect  to  those  mentioned  in 
the  next  preceding  article,  unless  otherwise  specified 
in  the  present  article.  The  said  commissioners  shall 
meet  at  St.  Andrews,  in  the  province  of  New  Bruns- 
wick, and  shall  have  power  to  adjourn  to  such  other 
place  or  places  as  they  shall  think  fit.  The  said  com- 
missioners shall  have  power  to  ascertain  and  deter- 
mine the  points  abovementioned,  in  conformity  with 
the  provisions  of  the  said  treaty  of  peace  of  one  thou- 
sand seven  hundred  and  eighty -three,  and  shall  cause 
the  boundary  aforesaid,  from  the  source  of  the  river 
St.  Croix  to  the  river  Iroquois  or  Cataragny,  to  be 
surveyed  and  marked  according  to  die  said  provisions. 
The  said  commissioners  shall  make  a  map  of  the  said 
boundary,  and  annex  to  it  a  declaration  under  their 
hands  and  seals,  certifying  it  to  be  the  true  map  of 
the  said  boundary,  and  p»  'cularizing  the  latitude 
and  longitude  of  the  north-west  angle  of  Nova  Sco- 
tia, of  the  north-westernmost  head  of  Connecticut 
river,  and  of  such  oUier  points  of  the  same  boundary 
as  they  may  deem  proper.  And  both  parties  agree 
to  consider  such  map  and  declaration  as  finally  and 
conclusively  fixing  the  said  boundary.  And  in  the 
event  of  the  said  two  commissioners  differing,  or  both, 
or  either  of  thv<>ui,  refusing  or  declining,  oe  wilfully 
omitting  to  act,  such  reports,  declarations,  or  state- 
ments, shall  be  made  by  them,  or  either  of  them,  and 
such  reference  to  a  friendly  sovereign  or  rtate,  shall 
be  made,  in  all  respects  as  in  the  latter  part  of  the 
fourth  article  is  contained,  and  in  as  full  a  manner  as 
if  the  same  was  herein  repeated. 

ARTICLE  THE  SIXTH. 

Whereas,  by  the  former  treaty  of  peace  that  por- 
tion of  the  boundary  of  the  United  States  from  the 


hi 


n 


* 


1 


i  ■• 


1' )" 


iu 


;  !• 


.    '  •  'ill     / 


i'  I 


m  I : 


i 


430 


APPENDIX. 


point  where  the  forty  fifth  dejs^rce  of  north  latitndc; 
{Strikes  the  river  Iroquois  or  Gataragiiy  to  the  laktt 
Sii|)erior,  was  declared  to  be 'along  the  middle  of 
said  river  into  lake  Ontario,  through  the  middle  of 
said  lake  until  it  strikes  the  communication  by  water 
between  that  lake  and  lake  Erie,  thence  along  the 
middle  of  said  communication  into  lake  Erie,  through 
the  middle  of  said  lake  until  it  arrives  at  the  water 
communication  into  the  lake  Huron,  thenne  through 
the  middle  of  said  lake  to  the  water  communication 
between  that  lake  and  lake  Superior'.  And  whereas 
doubts  have  arisen  what  was  the  middle  of  said  river, 
lakes,  and  water  communications,  and  whether  cer- 
tain islands  lying  in  the  same  were  within  the  domiri 
ions  of  his  Britannic  majesty  or  of  the  United  Stalt 
in  order,  therefore,  finally  to  decide  these  doubts,  t!  , 
shall  be  referred  to  two  commissioners,  to  be  appoint- 
ed, sworn,  and  autltorised  to  act  exactly  in  the  man- 
ner directed  with  respect  to  those  mentioned  in  the 
next  preceding  article,  unless  otherwise  specified  in 
this  present  article.  The  said  commissioners  shall 
meet,  in  the  first  instance,  at  Albauy,  in  the  state  of 
New-York,  and  shall  have  power  to  adjourn  to  such 
other  place  or  places  as  they  shall  think  fit.  The 
said  commissioners  shall  by  a  report  or  declaration, 
under  their  hands  and  seals,  designate  the  boundary 
through  the  said  river,  lakes,  and  water  commuiuca- 
tions,  and  decide  to  which  of  the  two  contracting  par- 
ties the  several  islands  lying  within  the  said  river, 
lakes,  and  water  communications,  do  respectively 
belong,  in  conformity  with  the  true  intent  of  the  said 
treaty  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty- 
three.  And  both  parties  agree  to  consider  such  de- 
signation and  decision  as  final  and  conclusive.  And 
in  the  event  of  the  said  two  commissioners  differing, 
or  both,  or  either  ofthem,  refusing,  declining,  or  wil- 
fully omitting  to  act,  such  reports,  declarations  or 
statements,  shall  be  made  by  them,  or  either  of  them, 
and  such  reference  to  a  friendly  sovereign  or  state 
shall  be  made  in  all  respects  as  in  the  latter  part  ot 
the  fourth  article  is  contained,  and  in  as  fulla  mannei 
as  if  the  same  was  herein  repeated.   . 


ill 


1 


lorlh  laliUidc 
,y  to  the  lak«^ 
Lhe  mi'idle  of 
lie   middle  ot 
ktion  by  water 
ijce  along  the 
Erie,  Ihrouafh 
s  atlh«5  water 
hence  through 
jommunication 
And  whereas 
He  of  said  river, 
I   whether  cer- 
ilhin  the  domn' 
s  United  Stalt 
ese  doubts,  t! '  j 
3,  to  be  apponit- 
Dtly  in  the  man- 
enbioned  in  the 
wise  specified  m 
missioHcrs  shall 
r,  in  the  state  ot 
adjourn  to  such 
think  fit.    The 
rt  or  declaration, 
tethe   boundary 
later  coiumunica- 
,  contracting  par- 
in  the  said  river, 
do  respectively 
intent  of  the  said 
red  and  eighty- 
jonsider  such  de- 
-jouclusive.    And 
fsioners  differing, 
declining,  or  wil- 
',  declarations  or 
or  either  of  them, 
Lvereign  or  stale 
[the  latter  part  oi 
inasfuUanv4niiei 


APP£NDi:t. 


431 


ARTICLE  THE  SEVENTH.  ' 

It  is  further  agreed  that  the  said  two  last  mention- 
ed  commissioners,  after  they  shall  have  executed  the 
duties  assigned  to  them  in  the  preceding  article,  shall 
be,  and  they  are  hereby  authorised,  upon  their  oaths 
impartially  to  fix  and  det*irmine,  according  to  the 
true  intent  of  the  said  treaty  of  peace,  of  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  eighty-three,  that  part  of  the  boun- 
dary between  the  dominions  of  the  two  powers,  which 
extends  from  the  water  communication  between  lake 
Huron  and  lake  Superior,  to  the  most  north-western 
point  of  the  lake  of  the  Woods,  to  decide  to  which  of 
the  two  parties  the  several  islands  lying  in  the  lakes, 
water  communications,  and  rivers,  forming  the  said 
boundary,  do  respectively  belong,  in  conformity  with 
the  true  intent  of  the  said  treaty  of  peace,  ot  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-three ;  and  to 
cause  such  parts  of  the  said  boundary,  as  require  it, 
to  be  surveyed  and  marked.  The  said  commission- 
ers shall,  by  a  report  or  declaration  under  their  hands 
and  seals,  designate  the  boundary  aforesaid,  state 
their  decision  on  the  points  thus  referred  to  them,  and 
particularise  the  latitude  and  longitude  of  the  most 
north-western  point  of  the  lake  of  the  Woods,  and  of 
such  other  parts  of  the  said  boundary  as  they  may 
deem  proper.  And  both  parties  agree  to  consider 
s|ich  designation  and  decision  as  final  and  conclusive. 
And  in  the  event  of  the  said  two  commissioners  dif- 
fering, or  both,  or  either  of  them  refusing,  declining, 
or  wilfully  omitting  to  act,  such  reports,  declarations, 
or  statements,  shall  be  made  by  them,  or  either  of 
them,  and  such  reference  to  a  friendly  sovereign  or 
state,  shall  be  made  in  all  respects,  as  in  the  latter 
pai'tof  the  fourth  article  is  contained,  and  in  as  full 
a  manner  as  if  the  same  was  herein  repeated. 

ARTICLE   THE  EIGHTH. 

The  several  boards  of  two  commissioners  mention- 
ed in  the  four  preceeding  articles,  shall  respectively 
have  power  to  appoint  a  secretary,  and  to  employ  such 
surveyors  or  other  persons  as  they  shall  judge  neces- 
sary.    Duplicates  of  all  their  resj»eotive  reports,  dtv 


» 


I 


111 


I'  f 


it 


\] 


J32 


AVPEXDIX. 


clarations,  statements,  and  descisions,  and  of  their  ac- 
counts, and  of  the  journal  of  their  proceedings,  shall  be 
delivered  b^'theni  tothe  agents  of  his  Britannic  majesty, 
and  to  the  agents  of  the  U.  States  who  may  be  respect- 
ively appointed  and  authorised  to  manage  the  business 
on  behalf  of  their  respective  governments.  The  said 
commi!::$ioners  shall  be  respectively  paid  in  such  man- 
ner as  shall  be  agreed  between  the  two  contracting 
parties,  such  agreement  being  to  be  settled  at  the  time 
of  the  exchange  of  the  ratifications  of  this  treaty. — And 
i^all  other  experces  attending  the  said  commissioners 
shall  be  defrayed  equally  by  the  two  parlies.  And  in 
the  case  of  death,  sickness,  resignation,  or  necessary 
absence,  the  place  of  every  such  commissioner  re- 
spectively shall  be  supplied  in  the  same  manner  as  such 
commissioner  was  first  appointed,  and  the  now  com- 
missioner shall  take  the  same  oath  or  atiirmativon,  and 
do  the  same  duties.  It  is  further  agreed  between  the 
two  contracting  parties,  thai  in  case  any  of  the  Islands 
mentioned  in  any  of  the  preceding  articles,  which  were 
in  the  possession  of  one  of  the  parties  prior  to  the  com- 
mencement of  the  present  war  between  the  two  coun- 
tries, should  by  the  decision  of  ixny  of  the  boards  of  com- 
missioners aforesaid,  or  of  the  sovereign  or  state  so  re- 
ferred to  as  in  the  four  next  preceding  articles,  con- 
tained, fall  within  the  dominions  of  the  other  party, 
all  grants  of  land  made  previous  to  the  commence- 
ment of  the  war  by  the  party  having  had  such  posses- 
sion, shall  be  as  valid  as  if  such  Island  or  Islands, 
had  by  such  decision  or  decisions,  been  adjudged  to 
be  within  the  dominions  of  the  party  liaving  had 
such  possession. 

ARTICLE   THE    NINTH. 

The  U.  States  of  America  engage  to  put  an  end 
immediately  after  the  ratification  of  the  present  treaty 
to  hostilities  with  all  the  tribes  or  nations  of  Indians, 
with  whom  they  may  be  at  war  at  the  time  of  sucli 
ratification  ;  and  forthwith  to  restore  to  such  tribes  ov 
nations,  respectively,  all  the  possessions,  rights  and 
privileges,  which  they  may  have  enjoyed  or  been  en- 
titled to  in  one  thousand  ei^jht  Imii<h((l  and  elevrn. 


APPBNDIX. 


433 


aid  of  ihcir  ac- 
idings,  shall  be 
itannic  majesty, 
nay  be  respect- 
ige  the  business 
tills.     The  said 
d  in  such  man- 
vvo  contracting 
tied  at  the  time 
is  treaty. — And 
commissioners 
arlies.     And  in 
n,  or  necessary 
Bumiissioner  re- 
!  manner  as  such 
il  the  new  coni- 
affirmation,  and 
eed  between  the 
ny  of  the  Islands 
•les,  which  were 
prior  to  the  com- 
n  the  two  coun- 
le  boards  of  com- 
rn  or  state  so  re- 
ing  articles,  c^n- 
Ihe  other  party, 
the  commence- 
md  such  posses- 
and  or  Islands, 
een  adjudged  to 
ty   liaving  had 

e  to  put  an  end 
le  present  treixty 
itions  of  Indians, 
time  of  such 
to  such  tribes  vv 
ions,  rights  ami 
yed  or  been  en- 
i«(l  and  elovrn. 


previous  to  such  hostilities :  Provided  always,  that 
such  tribes  or  nations  shall  agree  to  desist  from  all 
hostilities,  against  the  United  States  of  America,  their 
citizens  and  subjects,  upon  the  ratification  of  the  pre- 
sent Ireaty  being  notitied  to  such  tribes  or  nations,  and 
shall  so  desist  accordingly.  And  his  Britannic  Ma- 
jesty engage.1,  on  his  part  to  put  an  end  immediately 
after  the  ratification  of  the  present  i,reaty,  to  hostili- 
ties with  all  the  tribes  or  nations  of  Indians  with 
whom  he  may  be  at  war  at  the  time  of  such  ratifica- 
tion, and  forthwith  to  restore  to  such  tribes  or  nations, 
respectively,  all  the  possessions,  rights  and  privileges, 
which  they  may  have  enjoyed  or  been  entitled  to,  in  one 
thousaind  eight  hundred  and  eleven,  previous  to  such 
hostiliiies  :  Provided  always,  that  such  tribes  or  na- 
tions shall  agree  to  desist  from  all  hostilities  against 
liis  Britannic  Majesty,  and  his  subjects,  upon  the  rati- 
fication of  the  present  treaty  being  notified  to  such 
tribes  or  nations,  and  ^hall  so  desist  accordingly. 

ARTICLE  THS  TENTH.  I      ' 

Whereas  the  traffic  in  slaves  is  irreconcilable  with 
the  principles  of  humanity  and  justice,  and  whereas 
both  his  Majesty  and  the  United  States  are  desirous 
of  continuing  their  efibrts  to  promote  its  entire  aboli- 
tion, it  is  hereby  agreed  that  both  the  contracting  par- 
ties shall  use  their  best  endeavors  to  accomplish  so  de- 
sirable an  object. 

ARTICLE   THE   ELEVENTH. 

This  treaty,  when  the  same  shall  have  been  ratified 
on  both  sides,  without  alteration  by  either  of  the  con- 
tracting parties,  and  the  ratifications  mutually  ex- 
changed, shall  be  binding  on  both  parties,  and  the 
ratifications  shall  be  exchanged  at  Washington,  in 
the  space  of  four  months  from  this  day  or  sooner  if 

itracticable. 
n  faith  whereof,  we,  tl^e  respective  plenipotentiaries, 
have  signed  this  treaty,  and  have  thereunto  affixed 
our  seals. 

65 


, 


'A 


III 


ili 


434 


APPENDIX. 


?  I 


I   1 


■     it 


Done,  in  treplicate,  at  Ghent,  the  twenty  fourth  day  of 
December,  one  thousand  eig^ht  hundred  and  fourteen. 
...  GAMHTER, 

:  HENRVGOULBURN, 

•  WILLIAM  ADAMS, 

)      !  .         JOHN  a  ADAMS, 
t       !         J.  A    BAYARD, 
H.  CLAY, 
JON  A.  RUSSELL, 
A.GALLATIN. 
Now  therefore,  to  the  end  that  the   said  treaty  of 
peace  and  amity  may  be  observed  with  £rood  faith,  on 
the  part  of  the  United  States,  I,  Junies  Muchson,  pre- 
sident as  aforesaid,  have  caused  the  premises  to  be 
made  pubhc  ;  and  I  do  hereby  enjoin  all   persons 
bearing  oitice,   civil  or  mihtary,  wthin   the  LTnited 
States,  and  all  other  citizens  or  inhabitants  thereof,  or 
being  within  the  same,  faithiuUy  to  observe  and  fulfil 
the  said  treaty  and  every  clause  and  article  thereof. 
In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  caused   the  seal   of  the 
(l  s)  United  States  to  be  affixed  to  these  presents, 
and  signed  the  same  with  my  hand. 
Done  at  the  city  of  Washington,  this   eighteenth  day 
of  February,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
pight  hundred  and  fifteen,  and  of  the   sovereignty 
and  independence  of  the  United   States  the  thirty 
niiith.  ' 

r  J     JAMES  MADISON. 
By  the  president. 
JAMES  MONROE,  Acting  Secretary  of  Slate. 


\UiUh: 


?"ViAy,\\,:t 


•  f'l 


ij>.'q<f=ir 


.  ■.  •  .  t 


! 

''                 :    I! 

'    • 

; 

;;  ;1; 

ll'- 

,  1 

i 

^ 

m 

a 

LIST  OF  VESSELS  TAKEN  FROM  GREAT- 
BRITAIN,  BY  THE  VUnUC  ANH  PRIVATE 
ARMED  VESSELS  OF  THE  U.  STATES. 


Names  of  vessels. 

1  jch'r.  Whiting* 

2  If'i^  Ulyssps 

3  Ibrig  Gypsey 

4  brig  Pickering 

5  Mp  Roba  &  Betsey 

6  ship  Margaret 

7  transport  No.  fiO« 

8  brig  Bloodhounds 

9  sioop — 

10-20  1 :  i,.—  port  boats* 

21  sliip  Concord 

22  brig  Elbe 

23  brig  Uernaon 
24-25  It  brig  and  sch'r 

26  ship  Jane 

27  ship  Emperor 

28  ship  Experiment 
29-32  k,  ships  and  briga 

33  sch'r  Wade 

34  brig  Eliza 
35-37  i  shallops 
38       brig— 

f)9       sloop  Endeavor 

40  brig  Juno 

41  ship — 

42  brig— 
43-45  cJsch'rs 


46 
47 
48 
49 


brig  Wabiscb 
sch'r  Ann 
sch'r  Pindar 
ship  Jarrett 


50-52  5  schooners 
53       schooner — 
64       sch'r  Ann 
56-ft8  4  schooners 

59  brig— 

60  schooner — 

61  schooner— 
sloop — 

6  J       sch'r  Fanny 
64-65%  schooners 


2 


U 


14 


20 


IS 
12 
tiO 


Taken  by  the 

Dash 

Paul  Jones 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Teazer 

Madison 

Cora 

Y  Militia 

do. 
Fame 

do. 
Dolphin 

do. 
Madison 
Gun 
do. 


N, 


Arrived  at 

Bampton  Roads 

Norfolk 

New-York 

Gloucester 

Charleston 

Portland 

Gloucester 

'Annapolis 

Putney  ville 

Ogdensburg 

Salem 

do. 

do. 

do. 
Gloucester 
St.  Mary's 
I        do. 
I        do.    , 


do. 

Revenue  Cutterf  Amelia    'i 
Madison        Salem 
Lion         jMarblehead 
Lion  &  Snowbird*        do. 


Polly 

Madison 

do. 

do. 

Jefferson 

Dolphin 

Nonpareil 

Gun  Boats  f 

18     Fair  Trader 

do. 

Dolphin 

do. 

Jeffer.  U  Dolphin 

Dolphin 

Lion 

Argus 

Polly 

Dolphin 

Buckskin 


Salem 

do. 
Cape- Ana 

do. 
Salem 

do. 
Charleston 
Amelia 
Salem 

do. 
made  a  cartel 
Salem 

do. 

do. 
Marbleheaii 
Portland 
Salem 
Baltimore 
Salem 


Note.   Those  marked  with  an  [*]  were  H.  B,  Majesty's pvb!ic  veawU 
Md  those  nilh  a  [f ]  are  U.  S.  public  veisels. 


I 


ili 


'11 

1  ' 

'.  !■  ,' 

! 

i! 

'i 

I:/    ! 

iM 


» 


u 


I    ..  i 

' 

.!   f 

:    ; 

kiii 

i 

1 ' 

■i 

66 
67 
68 
69 
70 
71 

72-73 
74 
75 
76 
77 
78 
79 
80 
81 
82 
83 
84 
85 
86 
87 
8S 
89 
90 
91 
92 

93-95 

96 

97 

98 

99 

100 

101 

102 

108 

104 

105 

106 

107 

108 


Ai»i»i:jsi>ix. 


ibrls  Lamprey 
transport  biig«  197 

sch'r  Mary  Ana 
ship  Mary  14 

Bch'r — 
sch'r  Diligent 
2  schooners 
a  Snow 
sch'r  Jane 

'ship  Ann  Grr en  10| 
barque  8t.  Andrews  8| 
brig  Shamrock  6;  16 

[ScliV  Sally 
ich'r  Nelson 
ichooner  — 
ch'rS  Brothers 
barque 
lirig— 

ship  Henry  10 

gch'r  Alfred 
sch'r  Eliza 
br  Lady  Sherbroke 
br  Eliz.  &.  Esther 


aliipBoyd  10 

bri,'?  Ranger  6 

sch'r  Polly   , .,  ^, 

brigs 
sloop  Mary  Ann 
ship  Hassan  14 

brig  Harmony        i  4 
brig- 
ship  Briganza         'IS 
brig  Waldo 
sch'r  Ann  |  4 

sh.  Prince  Adolpbus  8 
ship 

sch'r  Harriet 
brig  Ceres 
brig- 
brig  William 
189-11 5  ships  &(.  brigs 
116-117  brig  &(.  schooner 

118  sch'r  Industry 

119  sch'r  Perseverance 

120  ship  Simon  Clark    16 

121  Honduras  Packet*     2 

122  brig  Amelia  10 

123  sch'r  Mary 

124  schooner — 
1S5        sch'r  Union 


20 
28 

21 


36 


108 


39 
12 
17 


F.  EssexK 

do. 
Buckskin 
Dolphin 
Fair  Trader 

Polly 
Snowbird 
Rev.  Cutterf 
Dolphin 
Gossamer 
Rapid 
Rev.  Cutterf 
Teazcr 
BHckskia 
Fame 
Wiley  Reynard 
Catharine 
Polly 
Comet 
Spencer 
Polly 
Marengo 
Got.  M'Kean 
Globe 
Matilda 
Wiley  Reynard 
do. 
Paul  Jones 

do. 
Yankee 
do. 
Tom 
Teazer 
Globe 
Got.  M'Kean 
Teazer 
High  Flyer 
John 
Lynn 
Rossie 
do. 
do. 

Benj.  Franklin 

Nonsuch 

Globe 

Mary-Ann 

do. 

do. 

do. 

John 


i  f 


Baltimorn 
ransomed 
Salem 

do. 
".Viscnssct 
Saltern 

do. 
Savannali 
Marblehead 
Boston 
Portland 
Savannah 
made  a  cartel 
Salem 

do. 
Boston 
Portland 
ransomed 
Baltimore 

do. 
Salem 
New  York 
Philadelphia 

do. 

do.  -        \ 
Boston 
Wiscasset 
Philadelphia 
Savannah 
New  York 
made  a  cartel 
Baltim  ire 
Portland 
Baltimore 
Pliiladelphii^ 
Portland 
Baltimore 
SHlcm 
Gloucester 
Boston 
burnt 

made  a  cartel 
New-York 
Charleston 
Norfolk 
Charleston 

do. 
burnt 

made  a  cartel 
Salem 


1/ 


BaltimorH 
ranaomcd 
Salem 
fiu. 
Wiscnssct 
Sah'm    , 

do. 
Saraiinali 
Marblehead 
Boston 
iPortland 
Savannah 
innde  a  cartel 
Salem 
do. 
Boston 
Portland 
ransomed 
Baltimore 

do. 
Salem 
New  York 
Philadelphia 
do. 
do.  - 
Boston 
Wiscasset 
Philadelphia 
Savannah 

I  New  York 
made  a  cartel 
Baitim  <re 
Portland 
Baltimore 
Pliiladelphii^ 
Portland 
Baltimore 
Salem 
Gloucester 
Boston 
burnt 

made  a  cartel 
New-York 
Charleston 
Norfolk 
Charleston 

do. 
burnt 

made  a  cartel 
ISalem 


rd 


m 


APPENDIX. 

4S 

126 

irig  Elizabeth 

41  12 

John 

Salem 

127-129 

brigs 

do. 

Ransomed 

130-ldl 

ich'r  it  sloop 

Orlando         Gloucester 

132 

brig  Qen.  Blake 

Revenue  Cutterf 

Charleston 

V3i 

brig- 

Bunker  lUII 

do. 

114 

brig  James 

do. 

Falmouth 

136 

»hip  Apollo 

8 

John                  Salem 

136 

siiip  Kof  al  Bonnly  1 

0  29  Yankee              bunk 

137 

tirig  Mary 

47  do.                    Imade  a  cartel 

138 

SchA  Venus 

Tcazer 

Portland 

139 

ship  Osborn             1 

Q   18do.                    1 

do. 

140 

brig  Eliza 

Marenfo 

NewYork 

141 

brig  Richard 

Industry 

Marblehead 

1)2 

brig  Naucy 

Fair  Trader 

Salem 

143 

brig— 

Bunker  Hill 

NewYorit 

144 

Schr.— 

jeander 

Providence 

145 

brig  Leonidas           i 

4 

Mars 

Savannah 

146 

Schr.  Sky  Lark 

Bunker  Hill 

NewYork 

147 

brig  Lady  Prevost 

Marengo 

do. 

148 

brig  Friends 

Bern.  Franklin 

Boston 

149 

brig  Mary 

do. 

do. 

150 

ship  Jane                 1 

2   18 

Rossie 

Salem 

151 

ship  John                1 

6  SO 

F.  Presidentf 

Philadelphia 

162 

Schr.— 

Teazer 

Portland 

153 

ship  Grenada           1 

1   30 

Young  Eagle 

Charieston 

154 

sch'r  Sbadock 

2   10 

do. 

do. 

155 

barque  Diana 

High  Flyer 

Savannah 

156 

brig  Roe-buck 

Rosamand 

Norfolk 
burnt 

167 

ship  Guerriere#        ^ 

9302 

F.  Constitutionf 

158 

brig  lady  Warren 

do. 

do. 

159 

brig  Abona 

do. 

do. 

160 

barque  Harriet 

do. 

do. 

161 

brig  Dutcheiis 

F.  Congressf 

do. 

162 

brig  Traveller 

do. 

do. 

163 

brig  Henry 

Yankee 

Nrwport 

164 

ship  Hopewell         1 

4  26 

Comet 

Baltimore 

165 

brig  Hazard 

6 

ahip  Waspf 

Boston 

166 

sch'r  Phoebe 

Squando 

Portsmouth 

167 

brig  Thetis 

Yankee 

burnt 

168 

brig  Alfred 

do. 

do. 

169 

brig  Antelope 

Dolphin 

Salem 

170 

ship  Kitty 

Rossie 

Portland 

171 

sch'r  Spunk 

Fair  Trader 

Salem 

172 

sch'r  Providence 

Wiley  Reynard 

New  Yoric 

163 

ship  Guayana 

8 

Dromo 

Salem 

174 

bar  duke  of  savoy 

8 

Decatur 

do. 

175 

ship  Pursuit 

1         Atlas 

Philadelphia 

176 

ship  Evergreen           1     |       Dolphin 

Salem 

177 

brig  Mew  Liverpool  4l     '      Yankee 

New-York 

178 

ship  Mary  Ann        1 

2   U 

)     High  Flyer 

Charleston 

!• 


i 


11 


« 


m\''^ 


1 1 
I' 


Hi 


!^ 


M 


iIm' 


438 

179 

180 

181 

182 

I8.> 

18^ 

185 

IHB 

187 

188 

189 

190 

191 

1U2 

193 

19-^ 

195 

196 

197 

198 

199 

200 

201 

203 

203 

204 

205 

206 

207 

208 

209 

210 

211 

212 

2ld 

214 

215 

216 

217 

218 

219 

220 

221 

222 

223-225 

226 


APPENDIX. 

ship  Elizalietb 
sch'r  Jmnefi 
brig  Pursuit 

10 

Sarah-Ann 

Charleston 

Holphin 

Baltimore 

Rapid 

Portland 

brii;  IV 

do. 

do. 

»hjp  nrilannia 

6 

Thrasher 

do. 

brig  Howe 

« 

Dart 

do. 

brig  Elizabeth 

Decatur 

Newport 

ithip  Jamaica 

7   21 

High  Flyer 

Baltimore 

brig  Alert«              i 

to  122 

F.  Essexf 

New  York 

transport  ship« 

378 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

brig  King  George 

do. 

BostoR 

ship—                     1 

4    26 

Revenge 

Portland 

brig  Ocean 

7   26 

Saratoga 

New-York 

brig  Tulip 

Atlas 

Philadelphia 

ship  Esther              < 

2   25 

Montgomery 

Gloucester 

Bch'r  Venus 

Saratoga 

New  York 

ship  Quebec 

6    52 

do. 

do. 

ship  Richmond       1 

4I  25 

Thomas 

Portland 

jship  Adonis 

2'  as 

Montgomery 

Salem 

ship  Falmouth         1 

4|  30 

Thomas 

Portsmouth 

brig  Two  Friends 

1 

Benj.  Franklin 

Boston 

isnow  Two  Friends 

6 

Dart 

do. 

Ibrig  William 

Rossie 

do. 

seh'r  Trial 

Leander 

Providence 

Bch  John  &c  George 

Regulator 

Boston 

ship — 

J 

Poor  Sailor 

Wilmington 

brig—          ->   •' 

t 

Dart 

Portland 

scb'r  Mary  Ann 

Black  Joke 

Norfolk 

brig  Laura*              1 

0   50 

Diligent 

Philadelphia 

seh'r  Rising  States 

do. 

do. 

brig  Hannah 

Montgomery 

Salem 

sch'r  Mary 

do. 

do. 

brig- 

Dart 

Castine 

brig  Pomona 

2 

Decatur 

made  a  cartel 

(trig  Devonshire 

do. 

France 

brig  Concord 

do. 

burnt 

brig  Hope 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

•cb'r  Minorca 

Wasp 

Savannah 

Itarque  Charlotte 

Decatur 

Boston 

•.hip  Mariana 

Gov.  M'Kean 

Norfolk 

brig  Diana 

Dart| 

Portland 

brig-- 

Teazer 

do. 

brir^  Isabella 

do. 

do. 

ship- 

Decatur 

Marblehead 

3  vessels 

Dolphin 

burnt 

ship  John                i 

4  35 

Comet 

Baltimore 

(C/^Those  in  IttUie  are  Letters  of  Marque  vessels 


t  Tliis  Privateer  came  into  the  harbor  of  Portland  triumphanlly 
mounted  on  the  deck  of  her  prize  !  !! 


barleston 

iltimore 

irtland 

do. 

do. 

do. 

t>wport 

ialtimore 

[en  York 

lade  a  cartel 

loatna 

'ortland 

lew-York 

'iiiladelphia 

iloucester 

4ew  York 

do. 
t>ortIand 
Salem 
Portsmouth 
Boston 

do. 

do. 
Providence 
Boston 
Wilmington 
Portland 
Norfolk 
Philadelphia 

do. 
Salem 

do. 
Castine 
made  a  cartel 
b'rance 

urnt 

ade  a  cartel 

avannah 
iBoston 

orfolk 

ortland 

do. 
do. 

arblehead 

urnt 

altimore 

lessels 

\land  triumphantly 


APPENDIX. 


-227 

:228 

22'J 

2-10 

231 

2J2 

2a3 

234» 

235 

236 

237 

238 

239 

2W 

241 

2V2 

243 

2U 

245 

246 

247 

248 

240 

250 

251 

252 

253 

254 

265- 

267 

258 

2u9 

260 

261 

262 

263 

264 

265 

266 

267 

268 

269 

270 

271 

272 

273 

374 

275 

276 

i77. 


18 

4 


12 


hip  Commerce     141 
brig  Industry  loj 

privateer  Nassau       4 
privateer  brig  8 

brig  Tor  Abbey 
brig  Mary 

ship  Prina.  Amelia  10 
BChr. — 
brig- 
brig  Orient 
sehr.  Jenny 
sch'r  Adelia 
brig  Point  Shares 
jbrig  San  Antonio 
jbrig  Detroit* 
^schV  Caledonia* 
BCh'r  Single-Cap 
^sch'r  Fame 
,8hip  Phoenix 
brig  Concord 
brig  Favorite 
brig  sir  John  Moore 
brig  lord  Hhelfield 
sch'r  Betsey  Ann 
brig  William 
br;g  Heury 
Bch'f  Four  Brothers 
sch'r  four  Sous 
256|2  sch'rs 

sch'r  Antelope 
sch'r  Oawsun 
brig  Diamond 
brig  George 
brig  Neptune 
dhip  Jane 
Rch'r— 

bI'p  Louisa  Ann 
sliip  Venus 
brig  Ja.  &.  Cbarlott 
brig  Fr.  Blake 
brig  8wallow# 
brit;  Purgie 
ship  Ned 
sch'r  Sisters 
jch'r  Comet 
Privateer  Scorcher 
sch'r  Mary 
»ch'r  Mary  Hall 
sV.  Elizabeth 
transport  sch'r* 


2t 
2( 
3( 
4( 


3( 


14 

10 

2 
1 


7t 
16 


17 


3C 


H 


2C 


Decatur 
Comet 
Dolphin 
Rapid 
Thresher 
Benj.  Franklin 
Itossie 
Teazer 
Marengo 
Teaier 
do. 
Rosamond 
Jiallimore 
Marengo 
QunBoatsf 
do- 
Matilda 
Nonsuch 
Mary  Ann 

do. 
Industry 

do. 

Marengo 

Fame 

Montgomery 

John 

Fame 

do 

Dart 

Rosamond 

Wasp 

Alfred 

do. 

John 

do. 

Saucy  Jack 

Benj.  Franklin 

Tfvo  Brothers 

Auierica 

Nonsuch 

F.Presidenlf 

High  Flyer 

John  k.  George 

Fame 

Rapid 

do. 

do. 

ship  Gen.  Pikef 

do. 

do. 


Portland 

Vilmington       '    V 
iHltimore  .  . 

lumt 

Cape  Ann 
Charleston       ••      t 
-savannah 
Portland 
\t>wburyport 
Portland 

do. 
NeW'York 
Ualtimore 
Philadelphia 
tiurnt 

HIack  Rock 
New- Orleans 
Savannah 
Charleston 

do. 
Lynn 

do.        I  ' 
>)urnt  <  >  t 

Salem  ' !  . 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do.  I 

Portland 
Charleston 
avannah 
Salem 

do. 

do. 

do. 
iiadea  cartel 
Portland 
burnt 
Salem 

Charleston  '■■ 

rtallimore 
SorMk 
Salem 

tio. 
Savannah 
lurnt 
ransomed 
Sacketts  Harbor 

do. 
tturnt 


!- 


i1; 


i  ii 


I   ( 


t 


440 

S78 

S79 

280 

881 

882 

S83-S 

286 

287 

288 

380 

890 

291 

892 

893 

294 

895 

898 

297-3 

S07 

898 

308 

309 

310 

311 

312 

313 

314 

315 

316 

317 

318 

319 

320 

321 

322 

323 

324 

325 

326 

327 

328 

329- 

353 

334 

335 

3J6 

3J7 

3i8 

339 

SV) 


Ai*rKNbix. 

brig  Union             1  0 

Gen.  Annstrong 

Boston 

leh'r  Neptune 

Revenge       Cape  Ann 

liarque  Piiher 

Fox           K>ortland 

brig  Jamei  Bray 

Bunker  Hill   J 

Boston 

brig  lady  Harriet 

orders  in  Council 

^ewYork 

285 

3  veueli 

do.           ransomed 

brig  Freedom 

6 

Thorn 

Vlarhlehead 

RchV  America 

Fame  £c  Dromo 

Jalem 

brig— 

Joel  Farlow 

Sew- London 

paoliet  John  BuH* 

Rover 

lestroyed 

ihip  Argo 

13 

20 

P.  Presidenff 

laltimore 

P.  Macedonian* 

49 

306 

P.  United  HIates't 

Vew-York 

ship  John  Hamilton  1  Hi 

SO 

Dolphin 

laltimore 

brig- 

brig  Argusf 

lampton  Koadii 

ach'r  Lorain 

Revengo 

Philadelphia 

l)rig  Bacchus 

do. 

Salem 

brig  Venus 

10 

Polly 

BavanMb 

-306 

nine  vessels 

Patriot 

lunk  &.  burnt 

packet  Townsend* 

9 

28 

Tom 

ransomed 

lacliet  DurchalU 

Highflyer 

Baltimore 

lohV— 

74 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

Brig  Criterion 

do. 

NewYork 

icb'r  Neptune 

Revenge 

made  a  cartel 

brig  Neptune 
ioh\— 

Roba 

Portland 

Revenge 

durnt 

brig  Fancy 

Joel  Barlow 

Sew  London 

sloop  Nelljr 

Revenge 

Philadelphia 

brig  DefODsbire 

Decatur 

Prance 

(rjtl'r  — 

Retaliation 

New- York 

ship  James 

22 

67 

Gen.  Armstrong 

destroyed 

brig  two  Brothers 

Benj  Franklin 

NewYork 

brig  Active 

10 

18 

Highflyer 

Charleston        ' 

brig- 

Dart 

Portland 

brig  Pomona 

8 

Leo 

Belfast 

ship  Betsey 

5 

Revenge 

Wilmington 

brig  Dart 

8 

America 

Salem 

ship  Queen 

10 

40 

Gen.  Armstrong 

wrecked 

brig  Charlotte 

10 

America 

Salem 

ich'r  William 

2 

30 

Liberty 

Savannah 

brig  Recovery 

brit;  Argusf 

New-York 

brig  Liicey  &(.  Alida 

Revenge 

Norfolk 

-332 

three  vessels 

Jacks  Favorite 

burnt 

sch'r  Swift 

Rolla 

do. 

sch'r— 

150 

Roll  a 

made  a  carl  ft 

»loop  Reasonable 

Liberty 

destroyed 

schV  Maria 

do. 

ransomed 

BchV  Catherine 

3 

24 

Lady  Madison 

Charleston 

ich'r  iVIaria 

du. 

made  8  cartel 

ship  Rio  Nouva 

18 

25 

Rolla 

New-York 

sch'r  Rebecca 

Jacks  Favorite 

New-London 

APPETCDIX. 


441 


Boston 
Cape  Anil 
Portland 

BottOD 

I  New  York 
ranaoined 
MarMehoad 
Halem 

New  London 
lestroyed 
Baltimore 
ifJNew-York 
Baltimore 
Hampton  Uoatlii 
Philadelphia 
Salem 
Savanaah 
sunk  &(.  burnt 
ransomed 
Baltimore 
made  a  cartel 
New-York 
made  a  cartel 
Portland 
burnt 

New  London 

Philadelphia 

France 

New-York 
ng  destroveti 

NewYork 

Charleston 

Portland 

Belfast 

Wilmington 

Salem 
tng  wrecked 

Salem 

Savannah 

New-York 

Norfolk 

burnt 

do. 

made  a  carl  t- 1 

riestroyed 

ransom<*d 

Charleston 

(made  a  cartel 
New-York 
New-Londun 


in 


>n 


n41  brig— 

3Hi  iirirateer  Richard 

343  thip  Hope 

3U  ihip  Ralph 

345  ihfp  Eupbemia 

346  brig — 

347  Kchooner — 

348  Dch'r  Meadau 

349  »hip  Mary 
3fi0  sch'r  Erin 

351  panktft  Nocton« 

352  briitBarrossa 

353  sch'r  Mary 

354  brig  Pegicy 

355  ship  Arabella 

356  brig  Andalusia 

357  brig  &.  sloop 

358  P  Java» 

359  brig — 

360  ihip  Diligence* 

361  schooner— 

362  ihip  Neptune 
363-364  two  vessels 
365  ihip — 

3GB  4hip  Volunteer 

367  thip— 

3G8  ^ch'r  Ellen 

369  thip  Jane 

370  sch'r  Pr.  of  Wales 

371  ship  Aurora 
372-373  tivo  vessels 

374  brig  Pelican 

375  thip— 
:i76  brig  Emu* 
377  brig  Ann 
fns  brip— 

379  sch'r  Sabik.e 

.!80  transport  Canada^ 

381  brig  Isabellf 

382  brig  3  Brothers 

383  loop  Mary  Ann 

384  irivateer  Andalusia 

385  tch>  George 

386  «hip  Albion 

387  mg  Harriot 
3BS  <hip  Nelson 
389  thip  Neptune 
.'j'.IU  <hip— 

:191  brig— 

392  icbooner— 

56 


♦ 
12 

10 

10 


14 


8 
10 

49 

27 

10 


12 


20 


12 


90 
438 


8 


60 


120 


100 

25 
14 


Ned 

Holkor 

America 

do. 

do 

Decatur 

do. 
Sparrow 
RoHa 
Eagle 
F.  Essexf 
Rolln 
T<:ugle 
hunter 
Growler 
Yankee 
do. 
?  Cnnstituti 
Growic- 
Eastport  mintia 
GHlliiiippcr 
Decatur 
do. 

America 
P.  Chesapenkef 
do 
S.  Hornelf 

Spy 
Growler 
Holkar 
Mars 
do. 
J  M\y  Madison 
Growler 
do. 
United  we  stand 
Erie  Militia 
Paul  Jones 
do. 

Dolphin 
Yankee 
do. 
do. 

Hazard 

Yankee 

Decatur 

Saratoga 

Bona 

Dolphin 

Lovely  Lass 


Ocrac(»k*^ 
Savannuh 
Marblehead 
Portland 

do. 
tVance 

do. 
ransomed 
Newp.  rt 
Charleston 
nade  U.  S.  vessel 
iVlartha's  Vinryard 
Charleston 
Boston 
Ncw-Lii  'on 
Savi"  6*Ti 
ransomed 
hurnt 
Hnsomed 
Machias 
ansomed 
Portland 
France 
Kennebunk 
Portsmouth 
burnt 

New-Oastle 
New  Orleanti 
an8omf:d 
Vewport 
nade  cartel.4 
Charleston 
Vewburn 
Marblehead 

do. 
■Savannah 
iiirnt 
.nade  a  cartel 

do. 
VewYork 
lurnt  (, 

Savannah 
nade  a  cartel 
St.  Mary's 
Boston 
New  Orleans 

do. 
Newport  , 

New- London 
New  Orleans 


!!,  I 


iMi 


i  ! 


442 

S93 

394 

395 

39t> 

397 

398 

399 

400 

401 

402 

403 

404 

405 

406 

407 

408-410 

411-413 

414 

41i-416 

417 


APPENDIX. 


>ri^  Shannon 
l)rig  Ctres 
^Itip  Mentor 
sChV  Huzzar 
brig  Resnlulion 
^hip  Peacock* 
brig  Antrim 
Mg  Ply 
schooner— 
brig  Earl  Percy 
brig  Hero 
brig  RoTer 
transport  Alder* 
brig  Return 
)rig  Thomas] 
three  Tessela 
three  Teasels 
sloop- 
two  vesaels 
brig— 


41 8-420  three  vessels 


421 

421 

423 

424 

425 

426 

427 

428 

4 

4^ 

431 

432 

433 

434 

435 

496 

437 

438 

489 

440 

441 

442 

443 

444 

445 


121 


IS 


10 
2213^ 


8 

to 


10 


10 


privateer  Caledonia 
brig  Tartar 
tender  Pox» 
br  London  Packet 
3ch*r  Farmer 
Dchooner — 
privat.  sch'r  Crown  10 
ship  Francis 
brig  Malvina 
brig  Charlotte 
Du.  of  SloucesterK 
prir.  sch'r  Richard 
irir.  sloop  Doreas 
brig  Edward 
tchV  Hope 
brig- 
ship  Nanoy 
chooner— 
sch'r  Delight 
mcket  Mary  Ann* 
hip  Dromo 
brig— 

Invinc.  Nkpoleonf 
packet  Ann* 
/fOh'r  Greyhound     | 


16 

8 

12' 
12 

i 

16 

0 


50 


2b 


86 


30 


38 


Yankee 
Paul  Jones 
Saucy  Jack 

Libfrty 
ship  Hi>rnelf 

do. 

Saucy  Jack 

Yankee 

do. 

ChesApeakff 

do 

Alfred 

Yankee 

Paid  Jones 

Yankee 

Snap  Dragon 

do. 

do. 

Dividedwe-Fall 

Ao. 

do. 

sch'r  Nonsuchf 


Bristol 

Chatham 

Ww-Orlean» 

avannab 
nui-nt 
:iiink 

New-Orleans 
(Charleston 
''aq)aulin  Cove 
Sew-York 
Mirnt 

Sftlem  ' 

iiristol 

hathatn 
Boston 
burnt 

.i^ade  cartels 
made  a  tender 
ransomed 
sunk 

ransomed 
Charleston 


Gen.  Armstrong  Georgetown 


Eero 

Paul  Jones 

Sparrow 

Wasp 

militia  volunteers 

r.  blood,  yankee 

JW-rf 

Montgomery 

ship  Madison 

Hnlkar 

do. 

Alexander 

do. 

Pox 

York  Town 

ship  Gen.  Pikef- 

Fame 

Got.  Tompkins 

Thomas 

do. 

Young  Teaser 

do. 

do. 


Mystic 

wrecked 

given  up  * 

Machias 

Waldohorough 

Brest  (France) 

Wilmington 

Salem 

Sackett's  Harbor 

Scvannah 

made  a  cartel 

Salem 

made  a  cartel 

Portsmouth 

Bristol 

Sackett's  Harbor 

Machiaa 

Boston 

Wiscasset  ' 

Boothebay        '• 

Portland 

do.  '•'•'- 

do. 


X  This  ship  maa  driginally  a  French  privateer^  and  captured  by  H  B. 
Majeaty'i  J.::^  Mutine  ;  re  captured  %  tlie.  Alexander  of  Salem  ;  rere- 
captured  byHB  Mujrdy's  frigate  Sliannon,  and  re  re  recaptured  by  the 
Teazer  of  JSfen  York,  and  sent  into  Portland  t ! ! 


APPENDIX. 


Bristol  fjv 

Chatham 

Vew-Orleans 

?avaonah 

lurnt 

<unk  ' 

New-Orteans 

Oharleston 

i'ar|)aulin  Cot* 

^Jew-York 

xirnt 

[iristol  ' 

'batham         "  - ' 

Soston  <'''■ 

)urnt  '. 

riade  cartels   ' 

nade  a  tender 

ansomed        "'"■ 

unk 

ansomed 

Charleston 

SeorgetowB 

if y  Stic  '• 

irrecked  •.    ' 

;iven  up  * 

dachias 

^aldohorough 

{rest  (Prance) 

Vilmington 

lalem 

ackett's  Harbor 

icrannah 

lade  a  cartel  ■- 

lalem 

lade  a  cartel    "> 

'orts  mouth       '•■ 

tristol 

acfcett's  Harbor 

[achias 

ioston 

l^iscasset  '^ 

lonthebay        ^■■ 

ortland  ''■■ 

do.  ":;^- 

do. 

iptured  by  H  B. 

of  Salem  ;   re-re- 
'ccdplured  by  Ihe 


44C  brig  Mary 

417  br.  Kiogston  packet 

443  brig  IV^utiny 

449  ,  br  S.  Geo.  Prevos 

450  privateer  L.  packet 

451  King's  packet ;» 

452  brig  David 

453  Packet* 
45 4f  ship  Mary 
455  ship  William 
45G  brig  Harriot 

457  brig  Mars 

458  sch'r  Pearl 

459  «>rtvateer  sloop 

460  brig— 

461  brig — 

462  brig  Dinah 

463  sich'r  Briiuuak 

464  ship  Loyal  Sam 

465  ship  Venus 

466  ship  Susan 

467  ship  Seaton 

468  scb'r  Elizabeth 

469  iihip  Pelham 

470  brig  Margaret 

471  trans  Ly.  Murray* 

472  brig  Morton 
473-476  rj  vessels 

476  brig  Sally 

477  brig — 

478  brig  Hero 

479  brig  Resolution 

480  brig  Hero 

481  brig  James  &.  Saral 
im  brig—  J 
488  brig— 

484  brig  Janttes 

485  brig  Sally 

486  brig  Ann 

487  brig  Thomas 
4lit  brig— 
489'  barqiie 

480  ship  Betsey 

4t|  ship  Eliza 

48i  sch'r  Success 

49}  sch'r  Lady  Clark 

494  Bch'r  Sally 

495  sch'r  Blonde 

496  sch'r  Ann 

497  sch'r  Dorcas 


14 


14 


10 


i.i3 
40 


40 


30 


22 


Anaconda 
Globe 
do 

Rolla 

Thames 

Anaconda 

Gov.  Plumer 

Anaconda 

do. 
Grand  Turk 
Anaconda 
Pox 
Liberty 
do. 
Gov.  Plumer 
Sabine 
Globe 
Grand  Turk 
Siro 
Globe 
Siro 
Paul  Jones 
Globe 
do. 
America 
L.  of  the  Lakcf 

Yorktown 

Young  Teazer 

Benj.  Franklin 

Teazer 

do. 
Nancy 
F.  Essexf 

do. 
Marengo 
Gen.  Armstrong 
^>rders  in  Council 
John 
Teazer 
Decatur 
Holkar 
Dolphin  • 
Revenge 
Yankee 
Benj  Franklin 
Bunker  Hill 
Wiley  Reynard 
John 
do. 
Liberty 


4J?3 

JiTew  London 

Ocracoke 

Beaufort 

Sew  Orleans 

Portsmtiuth 

Ocracoke 

Portsmouth 

nade  a  cartel 

New  Haven 

rtalem 

Sew  Bedford 

Portsmouth 

mvannah 

Dade  a  cartel 

•urnt 

do. 
Ocracoke 
Pirtland 
i'harleston 
Beaufort 
k^'rancc 
lurnt 

do. 

do. 
Salem 

->ackett's  Harbor 
nade  a  cartel 
Portland 
i-ansomed 
iVe'v  York 
-^astine 
Portland 
lurnt 

■ansomed 
Vew  London 
.^lartha's  Vineyard 
^few  York 
Boston 
Portsmouth 
made  a  cartel 
New  York 
nurnt 

Wilmington 
Boston 
ransomed 
New  York 
Boston 
ransomed 
Salem 
ransomed 


I      !* 


ii-,  t 


I  ' 


;!  ^1  'i  i 


H  I  ^ 


U 


ii 


J.14 

498 

499 

SOO 

£0| 

502 

i>03 

£04 

505 

A06 

£07 

508-5 ;C 

511 

512 
513-527 

528 
9Z9 
530 
531 
5S2 
533 
534. 
535 
53S 
537 
538 
SS9 
540 
54^1 
£42 
643-5*7 

£48 
£49 
£50 
£51 
£52 
£53 
554 
£55 
£56 
£57 
558 


APPENDIX. 


sloop  Eaglet} 
brig  Union 
liip  Aurora 
ship — 

hip  Integrity 
brig  Avery 
hip  Husan 
ship  Fox 
ch'r  Leonard 
brig  Betsey 
ihree  vessels 
?r.h'r — 
brig — 

i.ti  &.  ]4transp» 
ch'r  3  Sisters 
sch'rGen.  Husford 
brig  Nelly 
sloop  Pejjgy 
^('h   Broth  Sf  Sist 
irig  Louisa 
-loop  F'X 
-.loop  William 
■loop  Js  &.  Eliza 
oii^  Chance 
brig  Mnry 
ship  Venus 
brig  Morton 
■ich'r  Dominico* 
^hip  Ijon  Trader 
five  brigs 
privateer  Fly 
sch'r  C^'res 
barque  Henrietta 
brig  Ann 
sch'r  Flying  Fish 
sloop  Catherine 
sch'r  Kate 
ship  L'^uisa 
brig  3  Brothers 
brig  Earl  of  Moira 
shooiier — 


£^9-560  'wo  vessels 

£61         Isch'r  Louii^a 

£62 

£63 

£G4 

56.1-567 

£68-569 

570 

57i 


■il) 


16 


priva.  Kg  of  Rome 
ship — 
schooner — 
rhrpe  vessels 
hvu  vessels 
b.ig— 
schooner — 


4  13     GunBoatsf 
T.  B.  Yankee 
do. 

Rambler 
T  B  Yankee 
Yorktown 
do. 
to'  20      brig  Argusf 
T.  B  Yankee 
Jacks  Favorite 
America 
Fox 
Yankee 
65     2  row  boatsf 
Saucy  Jack 
Decatur 
Fox 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
Dolphin 
Yorktown 
88        Decatur 
j        do. 
Snap  Dragon 
30  brig  Enterprizi^f 
Yankee 
Snap  Dragon 
do. 
Saucy  Jack 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 

Industry 
Terrible 
Swirtsure 
26!      Expedition 
40     brig  Argusf 
F.  Presideotf 

do 
T.  B  Yankee 
Leo 
Brutus 


10 


Gen.  Armstrong  purnt 


New  York 
France 

do. 
wrecked 
Norway 
New  Bedford 
France 
sunk 
.!o. 

Plymouth 
made  cartels 
ransomed 
Bristol 

Sackett's  Harbor 
St  Mary's 
Savannah 
lurnt 
rausttmed 
burnt 
ransomed 
Norway 
France 
ransomed 
Norway 
burnt 

Salem  '   ' 

Wilmington 
Charlestua 

do. 
destroyed 
Portsmouth 
made  a  cartel 
Beaufort 

do. 
ransomed 
Cape  Henry 

do. 
burnt 
St  Mary's 
Machias 
Eastport 
Machias 
Newport 
destroyed 
France 

do. 

do. 

do. 
ransomed 


»> 
^^r. 


APV£NDIX. 

A 

^ew  York 

672 

brig  Boxer* 

!8|  96 

brig  Enterprizef 

Portland 

France 

fi7S 

schooner- 

Mate  and  crew ! 

Castine 

do. 

fi74 

schooner — 

Terrible 

lansomed 

vrecked 

075 

brig  Jane 

Snap  Draggon 

Newbern 

'Norway 

676 

brig— 

Grampus 

burnt 

Sew  Bedford 

677-578 

2  vefsels 

Terrible 

Sulem 

F'rance 

579 

^chV  Lilly 

PUot 

ransomed 

unk 

680 

brig  Mary-Ann 

do 

do 

!o. 

681 

brig— 

Gen.  Anmlrong 

burnt 

Plymouth 

682-58J 

1  brig  and  sloop 

Industry 

Machiaa 

made  cartels 

684 

packet  Lapwing* 

Rattlesnake 

made  a  cartel 

ransomed 

685-586 

2  ships 

T.  blood.  Yankee 

France 

Bristol 

687 

sloop  Traveller 

Lark 

iVIachias 

Sackett's  Harbor 

588 

Duke  of  Montrose* 

P.  Presidentf 

made  a  cartel 

3t  Mary's 

689 

brig  Jane  and  Ann 

do 

sunk 

Savannah 

690 

brig  Daphne 

do 

do 

burnt 

591 

ship  Eliza 

8 

do 

ransomed 

ransomed 

692 

brig  Alert 

do 

burnt 

burnt 

693 

barque  Lion 

8 

do 

ransomed 

ransomed 

694 

sch'r  Hig^  Flyer* 

5 

do 

Newport 

Norway 

595 

ship  Industry 

L\  blood.Yanker 

Norway 

Prance 

696 

ship  Lnnd.  Packet 

14 

Arf^is 

Boston 

ransomed 

697 

)>rig  Atlantic 

do 

ransomed 

Norway 

698 

brig  Jane 

do 

made  a  cartel 

burnt 

599 

brig  Jane 

Snap  Dragon 

ransomed 

Salem 

600 

•>rig  Venus 

do 

made  a  cartel 

WilmiDgtoa 

601 

^ch'r  Elizabeth 

do 

given  up 

Charlcslun 

602 

brig  Harpy 

do 

do 

do. 

603 

barque  Reprisal 

do 

ransomed 

Jestroyed 

60* 

privateer  Datt 

12 

45 

R.  cut.  VIgillan' 

Newport 

Portsmouth 

605 

ach'r  Salamanca 

6 

16 

brig  Argusf 

tiestroyed 

made  a  cartel 

606 

brig  Susannah 

do 

made  a  cartel 

Beaufort 

607 

brig  Richard 

do 

burnt 

do. 

1   608 

brig  Fowey 

do 

do 

ransomed 

1  609 

sloop  Lady  Francis 

do 

do 

Cape  Henry 

1  6iO 

trans.  Barbadoes* 

do 

do 

do. 

1  611 

trans  Alliance* 

do 

do 

iturnt 

1   612 

sch'r  Cordelia 

do 

do 

5t  Mary's 

1  613 

ship  Betsey 

do 

France 

Vlachias 

i   ^'^ 

ship  Mariner 

do 

sunk 

^HRtport 

615 

sloop — 

do 

France 

yiacbiaa 

616 

>>rig  Helena 

do 

made  a  cartel 

Newport         * 

617 

brig- 

do 

burnt 

lestroyed 

618 

brig  Diana  &  Betty 

do 

do 

i'rance 

SI9 

ship  Defiance 

do 

do 

do. 

620 

brig  Baltic 

do 

do 

do. 

621 

sloop — 

do 

(nade  a  cartel 

do. 

622 

brig  Belford 

do 

<unk 

ansomed 

623 

pilot  boat  sch'r 

do 

do 

lurnt 

h'^A 

brig— 

do 

do 

446 


ni 


' 


s.r 


1  I 


ii  . 


? 

1 

X 

>■ 

JJ. 

L'L. 

i  It 


446 

APPE^DIX. 

615        Itransport  Julia*      ll 

21202 

shin  Madisonf  Sacketts  Harbot 

628        1 

sch'r  Hrowler*         1 

1    4? 

do. 

do. 

£27-6293  Gunboats* 

6   45 

do. 

do. 

6S0        Guu  boatir 

i   i£ 

do. 

lurnt 

681 

packet  Morgiana*    I 

B      .»>'■; 

Saratoga 

Newport 

«S2        1 

3hip-~ 

do. 

burnt 

633        ibrig  Sdiah              |  ' 

do. 

do. 

634 

sch'r— 

Gen.  Stark 

Machias 

635 

ship  Economy 

Scourge  &  Rattle 

Norway 

668 

ship  Pax 

do.[snakf 

do 

837 

ship  Oiiigeot 

do. 

do* 

«38 

ich't  Liberty 

do. 

do> 

639 

brig  Betsey 

do. 

do. 

640 

brig  Hope 

do. 

do. 

641 

»hip  Hull 

do. 

do 

642 

siiip  Jot.  Bachellor 

do. 

do- 

643 

ship  Experioieot 

do. 

do* 

644 

btig  Ruby 

do. 

do. 

645 

ship  Brifannia 

do. 

do. 

646 

sch'r  Prosperous 

do. 

do. 

647 

brig  BurtoQ 

do. 

do. 

648 

ship  Latona 

do. 

do. 

649 

ship  Friends 

do. 

do. 

650 

ship  Nottingham 

do. 

do. 

«5i     ; 

br.  WestRiorelaod 

do. 

do. 

652 

brig  Brothers 

do. 

do. 

653 

sloopPerseverance 

do.          1           do. 

654 

nh\p  Harford 

do.          1           do. 

655 

ship  Thetis 

do. 

do. 

656 

brig  Brunswick 

do. 

do. 

637-669 

13  vessels 

Leo 

burnt 

670 

Gun  boat* 

J   SOftiofgar's  riflem. 

Sacketts  Harbor 

671 

ship  Brutus 

Rattlesnake 

made  a  cartel 

672 

sch'r  Fame 

Saratoga 

vvrecked 

673 

ship  St.  Lawrence 

America 

t^ortsmouth 

674-675 

|two  vessels 

Yankee 

iuade  a  cartel 

676-690 

15  vessels 

Lady  Cordelia 

destroyed 

691 

brig- 

do. 

wrecked 

693 

brig  President 

Polly 

Savannah 

693 

brig  Favorite 

ISO 

Yankee 

made  a  cartel 

694 

brig  Mary 

do. 

Chatham 

695-69(i 

two  ships 

Scourge 

Vorway 

697 

sch'r  Katy 

Yankee 

'<few- Bedford 

698 

sch'r— 

Water  Witch 

do. 

699 

sch'r  Ann 

Gen.  Stark 

Vlachias 

700 

sloop  Eliza 

Tim.  Pickerinz 

£astport 

701 

brig  Dart 

do. 

-iaiem 

702 

sloop — 

East  Port  For 

.'iSastport 

703 

el.G.  HodgkinsoD 

Saratoga 

^  recked 

704-7K 

'even  Tepseto 

Ogdensburg  Mil 

Ogdensburg 

APPENDIX. 


44: 


SackettsHarbot 

711 

do. 

712 

do. 

713 

burnt 

714 

fJewport 

715 

burnt 

716 

do. 

717 

Slachiaa 

718 

t^urwajr  ' 

719 

do 

720 

do* 

721 

do. 

722 

do. 

723 

do. 

724 

do 

725 

do- 

726 

do- 

727 

do. 

728 

do. 

729 

do. 

730 

do. 

731 

do. 

732 

do. 

733 

1           do. 

do. 

\           do. 

734 

735 

736 

1           do. 

737 

I           do. 

738 

1           do. 

739 

do. 

740 

burnt 

741 

n.  Sacketts  Harbor 

742 

made  a  cartel 

743 

wrecked 

744 

Portsmouth 

745 

iuade  a  cartel 

746- 

ia  (leslroyed 
wrecked 

754 

755 

Savannah 

766 

tnade  a  cartel 

757 

Chatham 

758 

Nforway 

759 

'^eff-Bedford 

760 

h               do. 

761 

Vlachias 

762 

Dg  Eastport 

7C3 

-falem 

764 

n".    Sastport 

765- 

. recked 

774 

ttil  jagdensburg 

775 

ibrig  Edward 

brig  Jans  toff 

brig  Loyd 

ihip  Vesta 

ship  Fame 

Bch'r  Joseph 

Lady  Cockburn 

gir  J.  Sherbroke 

ship  Manly 

Ibrig— 

sch'"-  Messenger 

ship  Moiitezuina 

ship  Policy 

ship  Georgiana 

ship  Atlantic 

ship  Greenwich 

ship  Hector 

ihip  Catherine 

ship  Roee 

brig  Jane 

brig  Diana 

;hip  Rose 

brig- 
brig  Agnes 

^loop  John 

brig  Abel 

brig  Cossack 

3ch'r  Jasper 

9ch'r  Rebecca 

sch'r  Agnes 

brig  Criterion 

Bch'r  Fanny 

sch'r  Henry 

sch'r  Maria 

ship  Nereid 
-75-3c>gbt  vessels 

ship  Castor 

brig  Active 

ship  Watson 

ship  Cora 

brig  Eliza 

Bch'r  Traveller 

sch'r  George 

rloop  Experiment 

sloop  Vigilanttt 

schooner— 

br  Toung  Husband 
•773  nine  vessels 

brig  Tullock 

ship  Minerva 


IC 


10 


10 


29 


40 


21 
26 
28 
24 
25 
26 
29 
7b 
17 
t4l 


30 


Fox 
Washington 
Saratoga 
do. 
do. 
Saratoga 

do. 
Saucy  Jack 
Revenge 
Caroline 
Comet 
P.  Essexf 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
P.  Essex  Juni  'rj 
do. 
do. 
P.  Congressf 
do. 
do. 
Eliza 
Saucy  Jack 
do. 

Caroline 
Gen.  Stark 
Caroline 
Grand  Turk 
do. 

Caroline 
Revenge 
Roger 
do. 

Gov.  Tompkins 
T.  B.  Yankee 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
Frolic 
Fly 
do. 
Comet 
Peiapsco 
Gov.  Tompkins 
Comet 
Fox 
do. 


Polly  Landing 

Portland 

burnt 

ransomed 

New  York 

nadea  cartel 

lansomed 

-<t   Mary's 

Obarlestoii 

')urnt 

\Vilmington 

Peru 

UustoD 

tiade  ships  1 

of  war      > 
of  20  guns  3 
VVru 

do. 
riade  a  cartel 
Jiirnt 

iiade  a  cartel 
<unk 

Wilmington 
burnt  ' 

ansomed 
^kVilmingtoa 
Jeorgetowa 

do. 
Portsmouth 
Prance 
StoningtoD 
.'harlestOQ 

do. 
)urnt 

.Vew  York 
iiumt 
;;iven  up 
b'rance 

do.       , 

do. 

do. 
Squam 
Kllsworth 
Vfachias 
WilmingtoD 
Savannah 
Newport 
<iink 

Gloucester 
Portsmouth 


;,  t 


"  t 


'1'^ 


I 


m 


:|.::4ii 

•5,1  \  .!,t 


(         I- 


h         I. 


I{  I  ffl 


I, 


■'A 

H\ 

■■' 

I  > 
f 
1  : 

MIl^ 

:(■  " 

448 


A1»PEM>1K. 


14 


776  Iphip—  i 

777  brig  Isabella 

778  jaloop— 
778  ^chr.  ll!»rniony 

780  i>ioop  Humbird 

781  brig— 

782  pig— 

783  pobr.  Mary 

784  sloop— 
'?85  ship  W«uilerer 

786  'ship  E(!^var<l 

787  'schr.  Jiviathnn 

788  brig  Britannia 

789  Bchr.  Curfenr 

790  brig  Terulls 

791  ship  Galatea 

792  ship  James  IS 

793  ship—  16 
794-795  two  vessels 

796  privateer— 

797  'ship  Sally 

798  »hip — 

799  wrig  Superb 

800  jprirateer  Mars 

801  brig  Juno 
80t  brigFrieods 
808  ;  'schr.  Sea  Flower 

804  {scbr.  Hazard 

805  I  .brig  Sovereign 

806  ship  Diana 

807  schr.  William 

808  schr.  Mary 
800  brig  Bykar 

810  'schr.  Hope 

811  brig  Rambler 
818  schr  Eliza 
81'8^  ship  Lady  Prevost 
Bl^  sch.  Susan  &.  Eli/.» 

815  schr. — 

816  schr.  Jane 

817  brig  Falcon 
81<8  brig  Superb 
8t9  schr. — 
$88  shi[>  John 
881  '    brig  Brothers 
822  ship  Victory 
823-826  Tour  ships 

827  'hip— 

828  brig  Elizabeth 
888  ,  khip  AnuCatheriiu 


iGo<7.Tontps:n8  made  a  cartel 
^ri|^  Ratlf<  f^i  ike-f  Wilmington 
(  Gi'-yrtd  S'.'k'L    wrecked 
Terribk'        Portsmouth 
Surprize       Mh'^hiaa 
brig  Rnttlesnaki  faunk 


10 


12 


SO 


80 


Fox 
Maadoniuj 

U)pe 

F  P.p&identf 

do. 

do. 

Mars 

Alfred 

do. 

Chasseur 

T.B  Yankee 

do. 

Frolic 

Leo 

Delile 


burnt 

ransomed 

Philadelphia 

sunk 

do. 

do. 

New- Bedford 

Marblebead 

burnt 

Beaufort 

France     ' 

do. 

destroyed 

Cape  Francois 

sunk 


brig  EnterprizefSt.  Mary's 


Mars 


Charleston 


bs.  Rati.  &  Ent  f  Wilmington 


Grand  Turk 
Diomcde 
Ttickahoe 

do. 
America 

do. 
Diomede 

do. 

Fox 

Diomede 


France 

wreciicu 

burnt 

do. 

Portsmouth 

burnt 

Savannaii 

New- York 

Gloucester 

Bristol 


bs.  Rail.  &c  Ent.fburnt 


do. 

ilo. 

Invincible. 

VVMImingtoD 

Mars 

do. 

Viper 

Newport 

Fairy 

Wilmington 

America 

Charh'ston 

Mary 

NeW'Yoik 

Viper 

Newport 

Saucy  Jack 

Charlcsloii 

America 

Spain 

Viper 

Camden 

Rattlesnake 

Norway 

do. 

Krance 

Caroline 

Charleston 

Saucy  Jack 

tiavannuli 

■  -  ■ 

APPENDIX. 

449 

.  1 

ft 

1 

made  a  cartel 

sso 

3chr.  Nimble 

1    Saucy  Jack 

Beaufort 

1 

t^ 

iVilniingtoii 

331 

4chr.  Jason 

Caroline 

biirnt 

n 

\ 

wrecked              •; 

832 

ichr. — 

Kemp 

Cape  Francois 

1 

*ortBinouth 

nas 

iclir.  Trinitaria 

Saucy  Jack 

Savannali 

I 

tfk'^hiaa 

834-042 

nine  vessels 

P.  Neufchattel 

Prance                ' 

7 

unk 

843  851 

nine  vessels 

Comet 

destroyed 

1 

lunit 

Sfi^-  &jfi 

tour  vessels 

do. 

'ansomed 

ansomed 

86G-857 

two  vessels 

do. 

Wilmington 

Philadelphia 

858 

brig  Apollo 

Q 

America 

Salem 

sunk 

859 

brig  Anne 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

Jo.          i 

860 

cutter  Patty 

do. 

uink 

Jo. 

861 

briK— 

do. 

Jo. 

! 

VewBedford 

862 

brig  Henry 

6 

Gov.  Tompkins 

New.York 

tfarblehead 

863 

brig  Abel 

do. 

Elizabeth  City 

f 

lurnt 

864 

ship— 

Invincible 

Wilmington 

Beaufort 

865 

sch.  fincouragem't.' 

Frolia 

destroyed 

t 

Prance 

866 

brig  Two  Sisters    i 

Wasp 

Philadelphia 

do. 

867 

schr.  Hope 

America 

burnt 

destroyed 

868 

schr.  Sylph 

do. 

do.         f 

\ 

Cape  FrancoiE 

869 

jchr.  Eclipse 

Wasp 

wrecked 

sunk 

870 

schr.  Cobham 

Jonquilla 

Wilmington 

i 

St.  Mary's 

871 

brig  Louisa 

Kemp 

Elizabeth  City 

Charleston 

872 

ship  Hive 

Surprize 

Norfolk 

i 

Wilmington 

873 

schr.  Picton* 

8   20 

F.  Constitutionf 

sunk 

Prance 

874 

ship  Lovely  Ann 

do. 

made  a  C8''*<'' 

wrecked. 

875 

schr.  Phoenix 

do. 

sunk 

burnt     .« 

876 

brig  Nimble 

Invincible 

Teneriffe 

do. 

877 

brig  Ceres 

Grampus 

burnt 

' 

Portsmouth 

878 

schr.— 

Saratoga 

NewBedford 

burnt 

879 

dch.  Friends  Adv'tr. 

Fox 

Wiscasset 

Savannali 

880 

brig  Fanny 

GaUomay 

Prance 

New  York 

881 

brig- 

Fox 

burnt 

Gloucester 

88'i 

schr.  Eliza 

Snap-Dragon 

Beaufort 

Bristol 

883 

icht.  Kentish 

Saratoga 

Pairhaven 

•f'bunit     >i                1 

884 

schr.  Prince  Regen;  1 

0 

Invincible 

ransomed 

ilo. 

885 

cutter  Lyon 

do. 

given  up 

Wilmington 

886 

iirig  Portsea 

B 

do. 

ransomed 

do. 

887 

brig  Conway            1 

0 

do. 

Portsmouth 

Newport 

888 

sch  Francis  &  Luc} 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

■  I 

Wiluiingiton 

889 

brig  James 

Young  Wasp 

Prance 

CharU'stun 

890-891 

two  vessels 

vio. 

made  cartels 

New-Yoilc 

892 

■ichr. — 

boat  Alertf 

Burlingtoa 

i- 

Newport          ■ 

393 

ship  Union 

Rambler 

wrecked 

Charicstoii 

894 

brig.  Fair  Stranger 

Fox 

Portsmouth 

Spain 

895 

transport  Mary*       1! 

2    82 

Rattlesnake 

France 

1 

Camden 

896 

brig— 

Expedition 

destroyed 

Norway 

897 

sch'r  Miranda 

Chasseur 

do. 

I'Vance 

398 

sloop  Martha 

4    20 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

j 

Charleston 

899- 90d 

two  vessels 

do. 

destroyed 

! 

Savannuh 

mi      !< 

'oh'r  Adeline 

■ji 

SO      Fxpedition    , 

NewYork 

-.  i 

«'"»^'= 

I 


it 


1  • 


.,i 


I|-:l^  ' 


;<  ,1 


t 


li 


4oO 


A1»PEX1>JX. 


902 

)r.  Experience 

Caroline        \ 

Trtckfd 

903 

hip  Experence 

Rapid         ! 

javnnah 

90^ 

*rh'r— 

Perry 

Norfolk 

905 

*i'h't  Francia 

Midas 

)urnt 

906 

cli'r  Appellodore 

do. 

do. 

907 

4ch'r  William 

20 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

908 

■loop  Irwin 

30 

do. 

do. 

909 

n\^  Bellona 

Globe 

iarracoa 

910 

ich'r  Prince 

ship  Adauisf 

[)urot 

9)1 

3chV  Industry 

do. 

do. 

912 

-loop— 

do. 

given  up 

913 

)rig  Roebuck 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

914 

^hip  Equity 

Rattlesnake 

burnt 

915 

ship  Adston 

do. 

«unk 

916 

'ch'r— 

Saratoga 

Fairbavcn 

917 

sloop  Regent 

do. 

sunk 

918 

seli'r — 

do. 

ransomed 

919 

sloop  EperTier*       •' 

128 

brig  Peacockf 

Savannah 

920 

?Ioop  Cygnet 

(Saratoga 

Wilmington 

921 

ich'r  Diligence 

York 

destroyed 

922 

sloop  Bonita 

Delisle 

do. 

923 

brig  Robert 

Zebec  Ultor 

Charleston 

924 

brig  Faiorite 

David  Porter 

viven  up 

925 

b.-ig— 

10 

do. 

do. 

9.i6 

ship  Susan 

IS 

do. 

ransomed 

927 

*hip  Doris 

do. 

do. 

928 

brig  Curlew 

do. 

burnt 

92tf 

Itiig — 

Rattlesnake 

Portsmouth 

930 

ship  James 

Young  Wasp 

ransomed 

931 

brig  Swift 

4    15 

Zebec  Ultor 

Baltimore 

932 

brig  CHinelion 

Mammouth 

Portsmouth 

93J-934 

fwo  vessels 

Caroline 

Ipstroyed 

9d 5-944 

10  vessels 

Tom  &.  Leo 

Prance 

945 

sch'r  Hope 

Pike 

Saco 

946 

?ch'r  Pickrel 

do. 

sunk 

947 

shipPelham            > 

2 

Sacey  Jack 

Charleston 

948 

rhip  Fortuna 

Roger 

Beaufort 

949 

Bch'r — 

Viiier 

Newport 

950 

ship  Phoebe 

Hawk 

Wilmington 

9»l 

brig  Kutusoff           I 

0  40 

Surprize 

Frankfori. 

958  >■ 

schr*  Youn.  Furmer 

Henry  Ouildcr 

NewYori'c 

963 

sch'r  Miranda 

Chasseur 

burnt 

954 

transport  Martha* 

do. 

made  a  carle 

95i 

sch'r  Ann  Maria 

do. 

burnt 

956 

sch'r  William 

do. 

do.     . 

957 

ship  Joanua 

do. 

sunk 

958-95£ 

two  vessels 

Janwa  Monroe 

burnt 

960 

r<ch'r  Brilliant 

6 

Scourge 

Boston 

961 

ship  Symmetry 

do. 

burnt 

902 

ship  Winchester 

do. 

do. 

wrc'ckt'd 
^avnnah 
\orfulk 
burnt 

do. 
matin  a  cartel 

do. 
Barracoa 
burnt 

do. 
given  up 
made  a  cartel 
burnt 
-unk 

Pairbavcn 
sunk 

rausomed 
Savannah 
Wilmington 
destroyed 

do. 
Charleston 
s;iven  up 

do. 
ransomed 

do. 
iiurnt 

Portsmouth 
ransomed 
Baltimore 
Portsmouth 
Icbtroyed 
Prance 
Saco 
sunk 

Charleston 
Beaufort 
Newport 
Wilmington 
Frankfori; 
NewYon'c 
burnt 

made  a  car!el 
burnt 

do.    j. 
sunk 
burnt 
Boston 
burnt 

do.  I 


;i ' 


963 

96.5 
066 
UG? 

iiH9 
970 
971 
072 
ii7J 
1)74 
075 
076 
977 
978 
979 
9a0 
981 
982 
983 

984-988 
989 
990 
991 
992 
993 
994 
995 
996 
997 

998~999 
1000 

tool 

1002 
1003 
1004 
1005 
1006 
1007 
1008 
1009 
lOlO 
1011 
IUI2 
1013 
1014 
1015 
1016 
1017 


.VI'PENDIX. 


i'A 


brig  Union 
!*bip — 
sloop — 
brig  Dove 
ship  Jane 
brig  Balize 
bhip  Mermaid 
ship  Commeiue 
ship  Upton 
ship  Hero 
brig  Providence 
brig  Harmony 
brig  Kecovcry 
brig  Melpomene 
brig  Britannia 
brig- 
schooner — 
ship  Henry  Dunda$ 
brig  Indian  Lass 
brig  Catherine 
sloop  Caroline 
Gun  Boat3« 
sch'r  Traveller 
brig  Ceres 
«hip  Cod  Hook 
sch'r  Vittoria 
ship  Joachim 
^ch'r  Rob.  Hartivell 
brig  Liddelle 
brig  Jesrie 
ich'r  Ann 
two  vessels 
schV  Octavia 
brig  Little  Fox 
schooner— 
9ch>  Funchell 
shipLon.  Packet 
brig  Astrea 
privateer  Dash 
sch'r  Union 
G.B.  Black  Snake* 
hip  Friendship 
sch'r  Alert 
sch'r  Active 
schT  Mary  Ann 
brig  Lord  Nelson 
sch'r  Nancy 
schooner — 
jsch'r  Sambo 
'schooner^- 


Scourge 

burnt 

do. 

do. 

do. 

sunk 

Fox. 

burnt 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

IS 

do. 

Portsmouth 

G.  n  Pike 

Damarescotta 

Lawrence 

Portland 

16  104 

Diomede 

Wiscasset 

4   20 

prizp  ship  Upton 

made  a  cartel 

Diomede 

•iunk 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

6 

Chasseur 

Newport 

do. 

Beau  fort 

Roger 

Norfolk 

Leo 

Newport 

Rattlesnake 

made  a  cartel 

10  30 

Grand  Turk 

Baltimore 

do. 

burnt 

do. 

ransomed 

I0i80 

Applings  riflemen 

Sackett's  Har 

Diomede 

Thomastown 

Lawrence 

Portland 

Diomede 

Casline 

Hero 

Charleston 

Caroline 

do. 

Hero 

Newbern 

16 

Amelia 

made  a  cartel 

6   30 

do. 

burnt 

Iti 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

Hero 

ransomed 

Harrison 

Charleston 

sloop  Frolicf 

riestroyed 

do. 

do. 

Hero 

Newbern 

12 

Chasseur 

Portsmouth 

14 

Mi<!a9 

Savannah 

4  40 

do. 

do. 

Amelia 

ransomed 

1   20         barge          1 

Sacketl's  Har. 

Revenge 

destroyed 

do. 

do. 

Fairy 

do. 

Revenge 

made  a  cartel 

Zebec  Ultor 

burnt 

do. 

do. 

1 

do. 

do.            "-^ 

I 

do. 

do. 

1 

do. 

made  a  carte! 

I  ■  I 


\\ 


!  ! 


I  1 


k  i  t  '■  t 


ii 


i\ 


6  50 


1074 

1075 

1076 

1077 

1078 

1079 

1083 

1084 

1085 

1086 

a087 

1089 

1090 

1091 

1092 

1093 

1O94-1O9.0 

1096-1 10» 


-1088 


brig  Forliiude 
Bch'r  Geo.  Caniiiog 
bhip  Pizarro 

Espiranza 

brig  Elsioore 
1082|four  vessels 
scbooner— 
brig  Betsey 
ship  Alfred 
sbip  Autonio 
two  brigs 
scb'r  Henry 
packet  Elizabeth* 
ship  Hero 

Coun'esofHercourt 
packet  Landraile^ 
I  wo  vessels 
Tourteen  vessels 


13 


46*2  APPKNUJ.S. 

1018 -lOlOltwo  vessels 

1020  sbip  8t.  JoBo 

1021  irivateer  Amnesty 

1022  iloop  Tickler 

1023  ich'r  Rambler 

1024  sch'r  Fairy 

1025  icb'r  Balaboo* 
1026-  104S  eighteen  vesfleia 

1044  ibip  Friendship 

1045  bomb  vessel » 

1046  ship  Hugh  Jones 

1047  Bch'rFox 

1048  bii^Dnvid 

1049  brig  Fidelity 
10f)0  tender* 

1061  vcb'rEilvn 

1062  brig  Oukc  of  York 

1053  sloop  George 

1054  brig  Swift 

1055  brig  Defiance 

1056  brig  Friendship 
1067  brig  Stag 
1058  ship  Dorcas 
1069  sloop  Henrietta 

1060  ship  Birry  Castle 

1061  sch'r  Linnet 

1062  pch'r  James 
1063-1068six  vtb^^els 

1069  tender* 

1070  ship  Melvillt* 

1071  brig— 
]072--1073brig  &  schooner 


1Z0 
1450 


II 


Yankee 

y.ebec  Ullor 

do. 

Pirry 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Herald 
Cliauncey's  gip^f 

Yankee 
Surprize 

do. 

do. 
Gun  Boat  No.  88 

Herald 
Gen.  Armstrong 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Yankee 
Snap  Dragon 

do. 
Prill.  Neufchalel 
N.  London  mil. 
Fort  Niagara 

Rambler 


41 


I 
690 
4i:J3 


PorliRml 

do. 
lurnt 

VViliningtou 
do. 

do.  <. 

I    do. 
I  leslroyed 

•Vilmifigton 

'rcscjiH"  l.'^le 

iiri!<tol 

liude  a  carlel 

leslrojrd 

)urnt 

Porlsmniilli 

Beaufort 

'>urnt 
do. 

made  a  curie) 

*iurnt 
do. 
do. 

<unk 

Kgg  Harbor 

ransomed 

Newberu 

burnt 

France 

New  Londoi^ 

blown  up 

ransomed 


brig  Rallicauake'i  )unk 


Surprize 
Gen.  Armstrong 
Midas 
do. 
do. 

Harrison 
do. 

York 
Harpey 
do. 
do. 

Saratoga 

Harpey 

Ida 

Sabine 

Syren 

do. 


Gov.  Tompkins  i^urut 


Union 

rhotnasfown 

Savannah 

do. 

do. 
ransomed 
Amelia 
Boston 
VTilminglon 

do. 
burnt 

New  Bedford 
ransomed 
Hyannis 
Witrniugton 
Now  York 
destroyed 


I    ; 


1 

APPENDIX. 

4^ 

i^oru«ntl               1 

1110 

irigBfltaeykMary 

Kemp         burnt 

f     1 

do.                   1 

nil 

(hip  Calypso 

do                |j;iven  up 

r    'lurnt                   1 

1112 

irix  Oalt'donia 

do 

ansomed 

WiluiinKtoii          I 

Hid 

ir.  New  Frederick 

do 

do 

do. 

1114 

*ch'r.  Contrhct 

Roger 

(Vilmingtoo 

do. 

1116 

ransport  Doris*        4]  &6| 

Grampus 

Marblchrad 

do. 

lliU 

4hip  Hoppet 

Saucy  Jack 

Savannah 

efltroyed 

1117 

trig  Blixa 

do 

do 

V'ilmitigton 

1118-1119 

wo  tbips 

brig  Syrenf 

}Mrnt 

if^t 

^rcsfjHC  Inle 

1120 

barge« 

Stoniiington  Mi!. 

Btonningloo 

tristol 

lUl 

<chooner 

a  barge 

do 

iiude  a  cartel 

1122 

stii))  Jame.1 

Portsniuuth 

Portsmouth 

ieKtrnycd 

H23 

scli'r  Mary 

Sliark          New  OiUanc 

)urnt 

1124 

lirig  Hunter              1 

D  2U  corvette  Adamsf  sunk 

.8i) 

'orlsmniilti 

1126 

brig  Mary 

do 

do 

rteauforl 

1126 

«ch'r.  Favorite 

do 

do 

1 

ong 

lurnt 

1127 

ship  Paris 

do 

do 

)■ 

do. 

1128 

3ch'r.  Maria 

do 

sunk 

* 

made  a  cartel      1 

iiurnt                  1 

do.                  1 

1)29 

brig  Wirraan 

Yankee 

Hyannis 

! 

1130 

Cutter  Wasp 

Rattlesnake 

burnt 

\ 

1131 

brig  Dover 

do 

do 

do. 

1132 

brig  Pickle 

Pike 

do 

i 

,    , 

«unk 

1133 

ncbooner 

do 

made  a  cartel 

1 

iSgg  Harbor 

1134 

schr.  Induslrl.  Bee 

do 

burnt 

raosotned 

1135 

9ch'r.  Venus 

do 

do 

i 

;on 

Newberii 

]136 

ichV.  Lord  Nelson 

do 

do 

1 

burnt 

1137 

*ch'r.  Hope 

do 

do 

lalel  IFrance 

ll38 

scb'r  Jane 

250 

do 

made  a  cartel 

I 
1 

nil.  iNewLondoi^ 

1139 

brig  Orient 

do 

(unk 

1 

ira 

ilown  up 

1140 

brig  John 

do 

burnt 

ransomed 

1141 

br  Kingston  Packet 

Fox 

Portland 

lakei 

4unk 

1142-1143 

two  vessels 

Herald 

Ocracoke 

;e 

Union 

1144 

sh  Sam  Gumming!- 

Pike 

wrecked 

't 

rong, 

i'hoinasfdwm 

ll45 

ship  Five  Sisters 

Dash 

ransomed 

I  ■ 

Savanuah 

ll46 

Barque  Neptune 

sloop  Waspl 

destroyed 

,j' 

do. 

1147 

brig  William 

do 

do 

do. 

1148 

brig  Pallas 

2 

do 

do 

1 

ransomRd 

lU9 

galliot   Henrietta 

do 

made  a  cartel 

Amelia 

ll6d 

ship  Orange  Borer 

8 

do 

destroyed 

Boston 

1161 

brig  Regulator 

do 

do 

Wilmington 

]162 

scb'r.  Jenny 

do 

do 

do. 

]153 

sloop  Reiadeer»     i 

1  US 

do 

burnt 

burnt 

1164 

schooner 

Leach 

ransomed    . 

1 

t 

New  Bedroi:d 

1166 

brig 

Hero 

Newbem 

ransomed 

1166 

brig  Mars 

David  Porter 

Boston 

Hyannis 

1157 

brig  Cornwallis 

do 

made  a  cartel 

Wilmiugton 

1168 

ship  Vester 

6 

do 

Boston 

New  York 

1169 

brig  Horatia 

do 

ransomed 
made  a  cartel. 

destroyed 

ll60 

ship  Liddle 

Amelia 

Lins 

I'lurnt 

)161 

ship  Jesse 

do 

bnrnt 

t     u 
I      ! 


II»PI!NDI\. 


2\ 
18 

l^ 

10 


3 

Iti 
11 
11 

6 


46i 

1IB2  Hrnnsport  Miiikv 

1H>{  rnn.  P«!r»everaacc« 

IIGV  HohV  Nancy*  ii]  20' 

11tt5  .       'raiia.  £nileavor* 

HUB  liulter  Jubilee 

1 1 67  icIiV  Alexarulria 

11G8  liri^  IrUh  Aliuer 

IIG'J  lirip;  Miiry 

117(i  brig  Eliza 

1171  4ch'r  Esperance 

1172  ihi|i  London 
117J  -ihiii  Pustethwell 
li74  Irl';  Nancy 

1175  bup— 

1176  ihip  Detroit 

1177  4hi|»  QCharlotte* 

1178  brig  Lady  Pre vostn 

1179  >rig  Hunter* 

1180  ^loup  Little  Bell» 
1 1  i)  I  ich'r  Chippeway* 

1182  h\  Cunfiaucc« 

1183  iirig  Linnet* 
118^  doop  Chub* 
1185  doop  Finch* 
1186-1188}  Gun  Boats* 

1 1 89  ransport  Farmer* 

1190  l)rig  Britannia 
11 91-1 193  three  brigs 

1194  ir  Fortune  of  War    S 

1195  ihip  Corontandel      2 

1196  *irig  Cyrus 

1 197  sloop  Regulator 

1198  tirigQ  Charlotte 

1199  ibip  Milnea 

1200  brig  Lively 

1201  ich'r  P.  Regent 

1202  ship  Dorrts 
120J  brig  Willing  Maid 

1204  brig  Polly 

1205  scb'r  Sally 

1206  privateer  Lively 

1207  ship  Caledonia 

1203  brig  Eagle 
1201)  brig  Traveller 

1210  brig  Wellingtou 

1211  brig  Eliza 

1212  ich'rAnn         > 
121 J  transport  Strangerx  66 
1214-1216  three  vessels 
set 7  Ketch  Expedition 


bhif)  Lawreocef 

dc». 

do. 
Hurprir.c 
Whig 

df». 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

d'l. 
Porlsinoutb 

do. 
3.  Perry's  fleetf 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


Uric 
destroyed 

do. 

do. 

made  a  cartel 
burnt 

made  a  cartel 
di!b(ruye«l 
made  a  oartel 
>kuuk 

do. 

do. 
Portland 
nade  a  cartel 
Put  in  Bay 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do.  t 

do. 


1 1 

,  ( 

.  ( 


.iOO 

120 

40 

40 

127 


40 
66 


M'O  Olio's  fleetf  Plattsburgh 


15 


15 
17 


100 
16 
82 

20 


do. 

do. 

ao. 

do. 
Mammouth 
do. 
do. 
Gun  Boatsf 

York 
do. 
do. 

Burprize 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
Fox 

Spark 
Grampua 


do. 

do. 

do. 
sunk 

do. 

do. 
burnt 
Sapelo 
Baltimore 
made  a  cartel 
Chatham 
destroyed 
burnt 

do. 

do.  '  • 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Salem         i 
ransomed 

do. 
made  a  cartdl 

do.  '- 

do.  ) 

Salem 

do. 
&;iven  up 
New-York 


( 


<  \ 

■'  s 

u 


i.\. 


'  I 


APPENDIX. 

46.i 

Jrlo             *    '  ' 

1218 

Rcli'r  Charlotte  Ann 

Surprise       kSaco 

ettroyed 

ii2l9 

4ch'r  William 

Vi|)cr         Salem 

do. 

1220 

brig  Eclipse 

14 

Chasseur       INew  York 

do. 

1221 

ht\g,  Catherine 

Grampus 

wrecked 

nade  a  cartel 

1222 

sch'r  Retrieve 

Fox 

l)urnt 

urnt 

1223 

packet  Lfith* 

sloop  Peaeockf 

do. 

nade  a  cartvl 

1224 

seh'r  Williain&Ann 

do. 

do.                                      , 

i!b(royetl 

1225 

br.  Pcguy  &.  Ann 

do. 

do.                                 ,     < 

nadu  a  aartcl 

1226 

Cutter  Fy  ing  Fifih 

Sabine 

Baco                                  1 

uiik 

1227 

brig  Aaron 

do. 

do. 

do. 

1228 

brig  Harvest 

York 

Machias 

do. 

1229-1230 

two  vessels 

Green 

destroyed 

'orlland 

12.11 

bri^  Steady 

Prin.  Neufchattel  burnt                                        ] 

nade  a  cartel 

1232 

.4chV  James 

do. 

do.                                   1 

Put  in  Bay 

1233 

brig  Coaliers 

Amelia 

do. 

do. 

1234 

brig  Harmony 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

do. 

1 235 

brig  Elizabeth 

do. 

burnt 

do.                ' ' 

1236 

-•hip — 

8 

do. 

Jallimore 

do.           ^ 

1237 

Princess  Mary 

Whig 

burnt 

do. 

1238 

4ch'r  F.liza 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

Platt^burgh       '  > 

1239 

brig  Stranger 

sloop  Peacockf 

burnt 

do. 

1^40 

»ch'r— 

Leach 

ransomed 

do. 

1241 

ship  Hermes* 

28 

176 

Mobile  Fort 

l>lown  up 

do,               -J 

1242 

sloop  Jane 

Prin.  Neufchattel 

burnt 

sunk              '  '  I 

1243 

brig  Tritor 

8 

do. 

sunk 

do.             <  1 

1244 

trans,  ship  Aaron* 

4 

do 

do. 

do. 

1245 

brig  Apollo 

do 

do. 

iurnt 

1246 

Cutter  Gen.  Doylr 

do. 

do. 

Sapelo               ' 

1247 

sloop  George 

do. 

do. 

Baltimore 

1248 

br.  Boswick  Packet 

B5 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

oaade  a  cartel 

1249 

brig  Sibron 

4 

do. 

lunk 

Dliathain            • 

1250 

brig  Nymph 

do. 

made  a  cartel                         [ 

lestroyed          i 

1251> 

brig  Albion 

4 

do. 

t>urnt                                      i 

)urnt                 ( 

1252 

ship  Harmony 

4 

do. 

ransomed]    *"-                         f 

do.            •  '  ( 

1263 

brig  Charlotte 

8 

do. 

l)urnt                                       * 

do.           •  • '  1 

1254 

brig  Mary  Ann 

do. 

do.                                      1 

do.             '-  i 

1255 

brig  Douglas 

to 

do. 

N'antucket                               | 

do.             •    1 

1256-1257 

Launch P8» 

{14 

do. 

do.                                  ,    ! 

do.           -'-U 

1258 

one  do.  do. 

0*20 

do.              (sunk                                   " 
Amelia        New- York 

do.           <i   1 

1269 

ship  Neptune 

? 

Salein              '  = 

1260  1285 

6  transports* 

^7 

Chaunceys  Gigf,Sacketts|Uarbor 

ransomed 

1266 

schV  Ann 

her  own  cren 

Machias 

do. 

1207 

brig  Susan 

Fox 

burnt 

made  a  cartel 

12G8 

ship  James 

Port-imouth 

Portsmouth 

do. 

126» 

brig  Jane 

Dash 

ransomed 

do. 

1270 

schV— 

Leo 

Wilmington 

Salem 

1271 

transport  sloop* 

brig  Englef 

Plattsburgb 

do. 

1272 

brig  Avon* 

22 

1.10 

ship  Waspf 

sunk 

ei'iven  up            I 

1273 

^rig  Concord 

Siro 

made  a  cartvl 

New- York      ' 

'?74. 

l)rig  Fpcfiilation 

f 

Grnmpux 

<1« 

456 


APPENDIX. 


(■■  I 


1275 

ir.Sir  Jii.Sherbroke 

1? 

Syren 

1276 

hip  A(]vcntur49r 

brig  Syreiif 

1277 

iliip  Fanner 

Mammoth 

1278 

si:li'r  Anu  &.  Eliza 

do. 

1279 

-ihip  Uratiia 

do. 

1280 

M\i  Anisba 

do. 

1281 

urig  Eliza 

do. 

12«8 

•liip  I)r)bson 

do. 

12«J 

'iiiip  Sallust 

do. 

1284 

•»lo(>p  Christianna 

50 

Chasseur 

1285 

brig  Pnulcnce 

do. 

1286 

Moop  Favorite 

do. 

1287 

brig  Cornwaliis 

lOO 

do. 

1288 

briw  Alert 

do. 

1289 

iri^  tiarmony 

43 

do. 

1290 

ship  Carlbury 

do. 

1291 

brig  Seafiower 

^ 

10 

ship  Peacockf 

1292 

brig  Stranger 

8 

20 

do. 

1293 

jloop  Fortitude 

do. 

129* 

brig  Venus 

do. 

1295 

brig  Diana 

6 

20 

do. 

1296 

<loop  Leith  Packel 

do. 

1297 

br.  William  &:  Ann 

10 

40 

do.' 

1293 

brig  Peggy  &.  Jane 

do. 

1299 

barque  William 

do. 

1300 

sbip  Sir  Ed.  Pellen 

4 

20 

(Jo. 

1301 

brig  Bellona 

11 

do. 

1302 

brig  Trilton 

10 

do. 

1303 

brig  Duck 

14 

do. 

130* 

jhip  Mary 

15 

do. 

1305 

jirthinksKomyselt 

2 

20 

Dash 

1300 

<ch'r  Britannia 

10 

Harpy 

1307 

.)rig  Halifax  Packet 

40 

do. 

IS08 

iirig  Harvest 

York 

1309 

ich't  Prince  RegenI 

Da?h 

1310 

priva.  Retaliation 

5 

20 

Two  Friends 

1311 

brig  Commerce 

Chasseur 

1312 

iloop  Farmer 

Mammoth 

I3l;l 

'irig  Britannia 

do. 

1314 

?ch'r  Two  Brothers 

60 

do. 

1315 

brig  Ann- Eli  :2a 

do. 

1316 

brig  Unixa 

do. 

1317 

[)(ig  Ansley 

do. 

1318 

)irig  Sarali 

do. 

1319 

brig  Sir  H.  Popham 

do. 

1120 

icU'r  RB|>i(l 

do. 

1321 

ship  Champion 

60 

do. 

li«2-1323 

fwo  vessels 

d(.. 

1324 

schr.  Thomas 

40 

do. 

!326 

ich'r  Good  latent 

18 

do. 

burnt 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
made  a  cartel 

burnt 

made  a  cartel 

(',1 

bur»t 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

burnt 

made  a  cartel 

Baltimore 

destroyed 

do. 

do. 

do 

made  a  cartel 

destroyed 

do. 

do. 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

destroyed 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Portland 

burnt 

Portsmouth 

do. 

Portland 

Barnstable 

Charleston 

sunk 

burnt 

made  a  cartel 

burnt 

do. 

scuttled 

burnt 

do. 

da. 

made  a  cartel 

destroy  t"l 
made  a  cartel 
do. 


li 


At^PENDliC. 


467 


burnt 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 
made  a  cartel 

burnt 

made  a  cartel 

i'^ 

bur"t 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

burnt 
made  a  cartel 
Baltimore 
destroyed 
do. 
do. 
do 
made  a  cartel 
destroyed 
do. 
do. 
do. 
made  a  cartel 
destroyed 
do. 
do. 
do. 
Portland 
burnt 
Portsmouth 
do. 
Portland 
Barnstable 
CbariestoD 
sunk 
burnt 
made  a  carte! 
burnt 
iio. 
scuttled 
burnt 
do. 
da. 
made  a  ctrtel 

destroy  e'l 
made  a  cartel 
do. 


327 

328 

329 

330 

S41 

332  J 

333 

i34 

33S 

336 

337 

338 

339 

340 

341 

34S 

34i 

344 

345 

346 

347 

348 

349 

3  SO 

351 

652 

353 

354 

355 

356 

357 

358 

359 

360 

381 

362 

368 

364 

365 

366 

367 

368 

369 

370 

371 

372 

373 

374 

376 


brig  Joseph 

102|     Mammoth     | 

made  a  cartel 

tiri^  Eliza 

dc. 

given  up 

jch'r-- 

Cus. House  barge 

Camden      '  ' 

lirig  Atalanta 

sloop  Waspf 

Savannah 

brig  Europa 

10 

22 

Petapsco 

Wilmington 

brig  Canada 

10 

Lawrence 

do. 

sch'r  Pox* 

2 

25 

by  her  own  cren 

Newbern 

brig  William 

Chasseur 

do. 

brig  Lulice 

7 

sloop  Waspt 

burnt          "   ^ 

brig  Bon  Accord 

7 

do. 

sunk 

transport  Mary* 

2 

10 

do. 

burnt 

brig  Three  Brothers 

7 

do. 

do. 

brig  Bacchus          *  ' 

11 

do. 

do. 

ship  Ann  Dorothy  ' 

Saratoga 

Boston 

brig  Hiram 

David  Porter 

ransomed 

brig  NaiiCjr 

Scourge 

New-York 

ship  Lord  Hood 

do. 

burnt 

brig  Belfield 

do. 

do. 

brig  Susan  &l  James 

Fox 

do. 

sch'r  Retrieve 

do. 

do. 

brig  Concord 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

brig  Cossac 

Surprize 

Boston 

sch'r  Pink 

Grand  Turk 

sunk 

brig  Brothers 

do. 

do. 

brig  Belgrade 

60 

do. 

made  a  oertel 

brig  Robert  Stewart 

do. 

burnt 

sch'r  Commerce 

do. 

do. 

sch'r  Mary 

Surprise 

sunk 

sch'r  Bird 

Grand  Turk 

Salem 

trans,  ship  Ocean* 

Gen  Putnam 

do. 

sch'r  Georgiana 

Grand  Turk 

do. 

sloop — 

Scorpion 

do. 

sch'r— 

do. 

sunk 

sch'r  Eugene 

Midas 

do. 

sch'r  Stringer 

do. 

do. 

sch'r  Betsey  &c  Jane     j 

Cadet 

Thomastown 

hrig- 

Jonquille 

ransomed 

BlilOp 

Saucy  Jack 

do. 

sch'r  Mary 

do. 

do. 

sch.KingstonPacket 

do. 

made  a  tender 

sloop  Cyrus 

Packet  tender 

burnt 

^loop  Jane 

Saucy  Jack 

made  a  cartel 

ship  Amelia 

IS 

40 

do. 

burnt 

sch'r  Weasel 

do. 

St.  Mary's 

sch'r  Jane 

do. 

Savannah 

brig  Louisa 

Macedonian 

lurnt 

brig  Britannia 

do. 

do. 

ship  Sir  Ed  Pellew 

2 

19 

do. 

sunk 

sch'r  Mariner 

22 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

sch'r— 

r.8 

ResolutioD 

Charleston 

n 


wv 

1^ 

1  !  ' 

'1 

U'l 


! 


158 

APPENDIX. 

1376 

brig  S,  D. 

2  12 

Kemp 

Cbsrieafoti 

1377 

ship  Rosiibell 

16 

35 

do. 

do.          r 

1378 

)rig  Fortsea 

8 

26 

do. 

do. 

1379 

ship  Princess 

2 

14 

do. 

do. 

1380 

sch'r— 

Young  Wasp 

Ocracoke 

1381 

sch'r  Hazard 

Surprize 

burnt 

1SB2-1388 

two  vessels 

do. 

made  cartels 

1384 

sclj'r  Mary 

do. 

burnt 

1385 

Krig  Courtney 

Yankee 

Fairharen 

la86 

^cb'r  Polly 

Dash 

Boston 

1387 

«nh'r  Swift 

Expedition 

Machias 

1388 

ship  Amiable 

Roger 

Wilmington 

1383 

sch'r— 

Hero 

Beaufort 

i3a0 

transport  sbipf 

Fort  Buwyer 

Mobile       ,  r> 

1391 

sch'r  Mary-Anu 

Cadet 

Thomastown 

ia92 

sch'r  St.  John 

Jonquilla 

ransomed 

l39.{ 

-ch'r— 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

1394 

brig  Gen.  Mailland 

Dash 

Portsmouth 

1395 

sloop  Mary 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

1396 

jch'r— 

Fume 

ThomastowH 

1397 

r.ch'r  Peegy 

Caroline 

(nade  a  cartel 

l3i(8 

$loop  Efiza 

do. 

$uuk 

1399 

sch'r  Mariner 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

1400 

brig  Stephen 

14 

30 

do. 

do. 

1401 

»l<iop  Trinidad 

Jonqi  Mia 

burnt         {;■■ 

1402 

brig  Equity 

Orlando 

Boston 

1403 

br  Lord  Wellington 

Diamond 

{iven  up 

1404 

brig  Margaret 

Youni;  Wasp 

Philadelphia 

1405 

ship  Hero 

14 

27 

Ino 

Boston 

1406 

brig  Coliera 

Amelia 

burnt 

1 407 

sch'r  Nancy 

do. 

ransomed 

1408 

brig  Harmony 

do.         „ 

made  a  cartel 

1409 

trans.  Elizabeths 

30 

do. 

burnt 

1410 

sch'r  Neptune 

8 

18 

do. 

ransomed 

1411 

ketch  Caroline 

10 

do.    . 

do. 

14U 

brig  Susannah 

21 

do.          ,,      ;. 

made  a  cartel 

1413 

Bch'r  Mary 

16 

22 

do. 

Philadelphia 

1414 

brig  Pallas 

8 

21 

do. 

.  do. 

1415 

ship  Gcn.WellesIey 

8 

86 

Yankee 

wrecked 

1416 

brig- 

Paul  Jones 

Portsmouth 

1417 

Cutter  Eliza 

106 

Lawrence 

made  a  cartel 

1418 

brig  Good  Intent 

do. 

burnt 

1419 

Cutter  Dart 

do.   ,      .,t 

do. 

li20 

brig  Christian 

do. 

do. 

14  M 

suh'r  AtalHula 

do. 

<lo. 

1422 

br  Lord  Wellington 

Expedition 

do. 

14:3 

ketch  Expedition 

do. 

.vrecked 

1424 

sch'r  Gold  Finder 

Young  Wasp 

Elizabeth  Cify 

1425 

transport* 

250 

Cadet  &.  8.  Jack 

wrecked 

J  420 

sloopGoT.Hodgdon 

Dttsh 

given  lip 

APPENDIX. 


459 


Cbarleatob 

do.        1  ■.    . 

do. 

do. 
Ocracoke 
burnt 

made  cartels 
burnt 
Fairhavea 
Boston 
Machias 
WilmingtOD 
Beaufort 
iVIobile  >  ; 

Thomastown 
ransomed 
made  a  cartel 
Portsmouth 
made  a  cartel 
TbomastowH 
made  a  cartel 
iiuuk 
made  a  cartel 

do. 
I)urnt 
Boston 
^riven  up 
Philadelphia 
Boston 

burnt         .  ,.f. 
■ansomed 
made  a  cartel 
burnt 

■ansomed 
do. 

made  a  cartel 

Philadelphia 

,  do. 

wrecked 

Portsmouth 

made  a  cartel 

burnt 
do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 

■vrecked 

Blizabelh  Ct(j 
ck  wrecked 

given  Hi» 


1427 

1428 
1429 
14S0 
1431 
1432 
U33 
1434 
1435 
143,", 
143", 
143S 
1439 
1440 
1441 
1442 


brig  Only  Hon 
lender* 
transport* 
4hip  Jane 

brig  Wm.  Neilson 
«ch'r  Nine  Bisters 
brig  Louisa 
ship  Wm.  &,  Alfred 
transport  Janef 
brig  Courtney 
^hip  St.  Andrew 
brig  Speculator 
brig  Patriot 
brig  DantKic 
tender* 
transport  Cyrus* 


1 443-1 4<49|Beven  transports* 

1450  brig  Peier 

1451  brig  John 

1452  brig  Nancy 

1453  ach'r— 

1454  ship  William 

1455  brig— 
1466  sch'r— 

1457  ship  Mary 

1458  tender  sch'r  Brent* 
1469  brig— 

1460  sloop  Enterprize 

1481  brig  Brunswick 

1462  sch'r  Britannia 

U63  brig  Race  Horss 

1464  sch'r  Mary 

1465  sch'r  Good  Intent 

1466  3Ch'r  Nancy 

1467  sch'r  Hazard 

1468  sch'r  Sea  Flower 

1469  sch'r  Lucy- Ann 

1470  brig  Forth 

1471  ship  Star 
1472-1473  two  vessels 

ship — 
brig  Athill 
ich'r  George 
brig  WilUam 
brig- 
brig  Susanna 
brig  Flying  Fish 
ship  Corona 
Ipack  Lady  Pelham« 
brig  Sarah 


.si 


20 
12 

118 


10 

3fi 


Tlasli 

Barucf 

X.Orleans  militia 

Harpey 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do 

Yankee 

do. 

do. 

Brutus 

Paul  Jnnes 

Virginia  militia 


14 


Lch.  N  Orieansf  t>urnt 


1474 
1476 
1476 
1477 
1478 
1479 
1480 
1481 
1482 

\m 


26 


8 
10 


40 


S  Launchesf 
Lawrence 
Perry 
do. 
Warrior 
Charles  Stewart 
Harrison 
do. 
Little  George 
Boatsf 
Kemp 
Whig 
do. 
do. 
do. 
Surprize 

do. 

•    do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Roger 

Ranger 

Lawrence 

David  Porter 

Lawrenr<) 

Champlain 

Sine  qua  non 

Dav;d  Porter 

Chasseur 

Kemp 

Warrior 


nvfn  up 
'<  'liaHeston 
urnt 

do. 
made  a  cartel 
•urnt 
ansomed 

do. 
made  a  cartel 
ansomed 

do. 
riade  a  cartel 
Oharleston 
Vlachias 
.Norfolk 


.ake  Borgne 
lieaufort 
Baltimore 
made  a  cartel 
tvrecked 

Bath 
ransomed 

do. 
Marblehcad 
Charleston 
Ocracoke 
nade  a  cartel 
burnt 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

made  a  cartel 
burnt 
Baltimore 
burnt 

do. 
France 
made  a  cartel 
Beaufort 
Portsmouth 

do. 

New-Bedford 
Wilmington 

do. 
suok 


I   ,iL 


I  ■ 


':  i  '\ 


iH 


i( 


460 

1484 

J  485 

1486 

148/ 

1488 

1489 

1490 

1491 

1492 

1493 

1494 

1495 

1498 

1497 

1498 

1499 

1500 

1501 

1502 

1503 

1504 

1505 

1506 

1507 

1508 

1509 

1510 

1511 

1512 

1513 

15U 

1515 

1616 

1517 

1518 

1519 

1620 

1521 

1522 

1523 

1524 

1625 

1526 

1527 

1528 

1629 

1630 

I5ni 
1532 
1533 


A1»1'EN»1X 

brip;  Ly  Troubridgc|  8 

luo 

burnt 

ship  Mary  &,  Susan 

Chas<;eur 

Savaunali 

JCh'r  Arrow 

America 

Salem 

3loop6f.Lawrence« 

14 

85 

Chasseur 

made  u  carte) 

ship  Adveuture 

do. 

Cli'irlestou 

sch'r  Robert 

AmeficR 

destroyed 

i\oop  Jubilee 

do. 

do. 

ich'r  Hope 

do. 

Salem 

ship  Emulation 

Syren 

Graciosn 

schooner — 

Macdonough 

burnt 

3ch'r  Ceres 

Reindeer 

do. 

sch'r  William 

do. 

do. 

sloop  Unity 

do. 

Miadc  n  cartel 

brig  Daphne 

2 

do. 

ranso'netl 

br.  Crown  Prince 

Portsmouth 

Sedgwick 

transport  Juno» 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

brig  Ocean 

do. 

bnrnt 

brig  Langtoo 

do. 

ransomed 

brig  Adeona 

America 

Salem 

sch'r  Si'Kaa 

Morgiaua 

W^iimington 

)rig  Sarah 

Warrior 

burnt 

)rig  Legal  Tender 

David  Porter 

Machias 

t    ..or- 

Prin.  Neufchattel 

sunk 

>■ ,      .'.iguia 

Fox 

Portsmouth 

L  ip  Lioieriek 

Morgiana 

New-York 

''jrig  Helen 

do. 

do. 

hrig  ''lutus 

YoMog  Wasp 

;iven  up 

ship  Mary  Ann 

do. 

do. 

iirig  liurd  Duncan 

Morgiana 

burnt 

'trig  Cossac 

6 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

5ch'r  Resolution 

Kemp 

Beaufort 

sloop — 

d 

do. 

j;iven  up 

U)ip  Otway 

3 

do. 

ransomed 

brig- 

18 

42 

do. 

do. 

brig  Alexander 

Leo 

wrecked 

brig  Eagle 

Lawrence 

do. 

brig  Susannah 

P.  Constitulionf 

New-York 

brig  Lord  Nelson 

do. 

burnt 

ship  Arabella 

liamhkr 

Macao 

brig  Madeira 

z 

25 

do. 

giver  up 

ship  Anne 

4 

Zebec  Ultor 

Nev,  York 

sch'r  Perseverance 

do. 

burnt 

>rig  John 

do. 

do. 

br.  Maria- Arrabella 

do. 

do. 

sloop  Twins 

do. 

do. 

sloop  L'Esperaocf> 

do. 

do. 

sloop  Constitution 

do. 

do. 

brig  Mohawk 

do. 

Baltimore 

ship — 

Avon 

ransomed 

Jhip — 

Jacob  Jones 

do. 

>urut 

;594 

javanimb 

l5.-<5 

jalem 

1536 

uade  a  carle t 

1537 

:;!>HrIe8tou 

1338 

lestroyed 

1539 

do. 

if)kO 

Salem 

l.'i41 

3racioso 

li>i2 

lurnt 

15W 

do. 

1544. 

du. 

1545- 

nadc  B  cnrt^i 

1547 

ranscned 

154-8 

Sedgwick 

1549 

made  a  cartel 

1550 

fiDrnt 

1551 

ransomed 

1552 

Salem 

1553 

Wilmington 

1554 

l>uriit 

1555 

Alaebias 

1656 

Hunk 

1657 

Portsmouth 

1568 

New-York 

1659 

do. 

1660 

given  up 

1561 

do. 

1662 

burnt 

1S63 

made  a  carte! 

1564 

Beaufort 

1665 

j;iven  up 

1666 

ransomed 

1567 

do. 

1568 

wrecked 

1669 

do. 

1670 

New-York 

1571 

burnt 

1672 

Alacao 

1673 

^iver  up 

1674 

Nev,  York 

1676 

burnt 

1676 

do. 

1677 

do. 

1678 

do. 

1679 

do. 

1580 

do. 

1581 

Baltimore 

1582 

ransomed 

L-jas 

do. 

1    1584 

-1546 


APPENDIX. 

46] 

frigate  Cyanew         ' 

J4irsirig.Couslitutionf, New- York 

brig  Baltic 

Grand  Turk 

wrecked 

sloop  Busy 

America 

burnt         "    ' 

^ch'r  Black  Juke 

do. 

do. 

sloop  Enterprize 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

pack.  sh.  EliKabeth 

8  .^i'        do 

do. 

ach'r  Patriot 

>Rev  Cut.  Jeffer'n 

Nortbik 

pilot  Boat 

Custom  House 

Eastport 

sch'r  Ontario 

N.  Y.  Militia 

St.  Vincents 

-hip  William 

brig  Vixenf 

New  York 

ship  Hero 

Teaz-er 

Machias 

» two  sch'rs 

Buskin 

kSnlem 

brig — 

Paul  Jones 

Norfolk 

bri{'.  Resolution 

Nancy 

Pjrtinnd 

brig  Ranger 

0  20 

Matilda 

Phiiadelpbia 

sch'r  Peggy 

Wiley  Reynard 

Portland 

i^hip  Contluenaia 

Wasp 

Charleston 

ship  King  G-»orge 

Essexf 

nidoston 

sch'r  Two  Brot.;...- 

United  we  stain; 

Newport 

ship  Commerce 

Decatur 

Pv,rtlaud 

^hip  Diana 

do. 

do. 

orig  Concord 

Marengo 

Aew  York 

ship — 

Industry 

^larbltheatl 

ship  Ned                  1 

0    16 

Revenge 

Sulem 

sloop  Brothers 

Saucy  Jack 

Charleston 

sch'r  Sally 

Gen.  Washington 

do. 

brig  John                  1 

.1    18 

Benj  Franklin 

do. 

sch'r  Robin 

Revenge 

Portland 

sloop  Caroline 

Retaliation 

New- York 

brig  Ann 

Growler 

isakm 

ship  Mentor 

Jack's  Favorite 

New  Orleans 

brig  Antrim 

do. 

do. 

brig  Emma 

Holkar 

Newport 

sch'r  Betsey 

18  .4.  Prisoners 

Campeachy 

sh.  RalphNickerson 

America 

Salem 

sloop- 

Ontario 

Sack  et's  Harbor 

sloop  Earl  Camden 

Yankee 

France 

brig  Elizabeth 

2     8 

do. 

do. 

brig  Watson 

3    15 

do. 

do. 

brig  Mariner 

do. 

do. 

schr— 

Saucy  Jack 

given  up 

ship  Grotius 

Frolic 

Salem 

brig  Jane  Gordon     1 

0   20 

do. 

burnt 

4ch'r  Hunter 

do. 

made  a  carte! 

sch'i  Susan 

do. 

do. 

sch'r  Vigilant 

do. 

ransomed 

brig  Maria 

P.  Presidentf 

France 

sch'r  Falcon 

do. 

do. 

brig  Jane 

Cordelia 

burnt 

sloop  Little  Vhvah 

do. 

do. 

'i  i 


462 

APPENDIX. 

1585 

Kloop  Fame 

\ 

Cordelia 

burnt 

1536 

sloop  Chance 

do. 

do. 

1687 

■ch'r  Deep  Nine 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

1588 

sloop  Watt 

do. 

do. 

1689 

si.  Charming  Eliza 

do. 

sunk 

Iff  90 

sloop  Jamaica 

do. 

do. 

1691 

scb'r  Phoenix 

do. 

made  a  cartel 

1692 

brig  Marquis 

Yankee 

Mew  Bedford 

1693 

brig  Concord 

Rattlesnake 

Norway 

1694 

BCh'r— 

F.  Essezf 

sunk 

1595 

Tender* 

Virginia  Militia 

Norfolk 

1696 

ship  Barclay 

P.  Essexf 

Peru 

1697 

ship  Ashum 

T.BIood  Yankee 

France 

1698 

brig  Trident 

Scourge 

burnt 

1599 

brig  Haddock 

do. 

do. 

1600 

seh'r  Columbia 

Port«mouth 

Newburyport 

1601 

brig  Fire  Ply 

Sabine 

Wilmington 

1602 

brig  Mary 

Argo 

burnt 

1603 

sch'r  Kliza 

Ports 'nouth 

Machias 

1604 

brig  Argo 

Surprize 

Portland 

1605 

brig — 

Grampus 

do. 

1606 

trans.  Lord  Keith 

4 

Mars 

iS'ewporl 

1607 

brig  Penguin* 

22 

li 

8      Horaetf 

sunk 

!,        1 1 


R'^ 


Total,  guns  S083.~-1 1797  men. 


M 


Ifmi 


APPENDIX* 


463 


burnt 

do. 
made  a  cartel 

do. 
sunk 

do. 

made  a  cartel 
?^ew  Bedford 
Norway 
sunk 
I  Norfolk 
Peru 
France 
burnt 

do. 

Newburyporl 
\¥ilmiDgtoD 
burnt 
Mac/hias 
Portland 

do. 
Newport 
sunk 


'u->"^>'''^--t'  BIDDLE'S  VICTORY. 


t^^y  ■ 


144»-,- 


f^^yofa  Letter  from  Caplain  Biddle  to  Commodore  Deealur^  dated 
U.  Slates'  Sloop  Hornet,  off  Triatan'd  dcunha,  March  25,  1815. 

SIR— I  have  the  honor  to  inform,  that  on  the  morning  of  the  2dd 
inst.  at  half  past  ten,  when  about  tu  anchor,,  off  the  north  end  of  the 
island  of  Triatan'd  Acunba,  a  sail  was  seen  to  the  southward  and  east- 
ward, steering  to  th«  westward,  the  wind  fresh  from  the  S.  S.  W.  In 
a  few  minutes  she  had  passed  on  to  the  westward  so  that  we  could  not 
see  her  for  the  land.  1  immediately  made  sail  to  the  westward,  and 
shortly  after  getUng  sight  of  her  again,  perceived  her  to  bear  up  before 
the  wind.  I  hove  too  for  him  to  come  down  to  us.— 'When  she  bad  ap- 
proached near,  I  filled  the  maintopsail,  and  continued  to  yaw  the  ship, 
while  she  continued  to  come  dowxi ;  wearing  occasionally  to  prevent  her 
passing  under  our  stern.  At  1  40  P.  M.  being  nearly  within  musket 
shot  distance,  she  hauled  her  wind  on  the  starboard  tack,  hoisted  Eng- 
lish coIoiJ,  and  fired  a  gun.  We  immediately  luffed  too,  hoisted  our 
ensign  and  gave  the  enemy  a  broadside.  The  action  being  thus  com- 
menced, a  quick  and  well  directed  fire  was  kept  up  from  this  ship,  the 
enemy  gradually  drifting  nearer  to  us,  when  at  Ih  55m,  he  bore  up,  ap- 
parently to  run  us  on  board.  As  soon  as  I  perceived  he  would  certainly 
fall  on  board,  I  called  the  boarders  so  as  to  be  ready  to  repel  any  attempt 
to  boan'  us.  At  the  instant  every  officer  and  man  repaired  to  the 
quarter  deck,  where  the  two  vessels  were  coming  in  contact,  and  eager- 
ly pressed  me  to  permit  them  to  board  the  enemy  :  but  this  I  would  not 
permit,  as  it  was  eviitent  from  the  commencement  of  the  action  that  our 
fire  was  greatly  superior  both  in  quickness  and  in  effect.  The  enemy's 
bowsprit  came  in  between  our  main  and  mizen  rigging,  on  our  starboard 
side,  affording  him  an  (,<  :urtuiiity  to  board  us,  if  such  was  his  design, 
but  no  attempt  was  made.  Tliere  was  a  considerable  swell  on,  and  as 
the  sea  lifted  us  ahead,  the  enemy's  bowsprit  carried  away  cur  mizen 
shrouds,  stern  duvits  and  spanker  boom,  and  he  hun^  upon  our  larboard 
({uarter.  At  this  moment  an  oflicer,  who  was  afterwards  recognize**  to 
Ije  Mr.  M'DonoId,  the  first  lieutenant,  and  the  then  commanding  officei^ 
called  out  that  they  hnd  surrendered.  I  directed  the  marines  and  mus- 
Uetryiiien  to  cease  firin<;,  and,  while  on  llije  taffrail  asking  if  they  had 
biirreiiikred,  I  received  a  wound  in  the  neck.  The  enemy  just  then 
<^ot  clear  of  us,  and  his  foremast  and  bowsprit  being  both  gone,  and  per- 
ceiving us  wcarin>;  to  give  him  a  fresh  bioadside,  he  again  called  out 
that  lie  had  surrendered.  It  was  witli  difficulty  I  could  restrain  my 
crew  tram  firing  into  him  attain  as  he  had  certainly  fired  into  us  after 
having  surrendered.  From  the  firing  of  the  first  gun,  to  the  last  time 
the  enemy  cried  out  he  had  surrendered,  was  exactly  22  minutes  by  thu 
watch,  ijhe  proved  to  be  H.  B.  M.  brig  Penguin,  mounting  sixteen  o 
III  carronades,  two  long  12's,  a  twelve  lb.  carronade  on  the  top  gallaui 
forecastle,  with  swivels  on  the  capstern  and  in  the  tops.  She  had  u 
sjiaro  port  forward,  so  a';  to  frht  bolii  hir  long  guns  of  a  side.    She  sail- 


464 


APPENDIX. 


ed  from  England  iu  September  last.  She  is  in  all  respects,  a  remark 
ably  fine  vtrssel  of  ber  clafts.  The  eneiOy  acknowledge  a  complement 
of  182  men  ;  12  of  them  supernumerary  marines  from  the  Medway  74. 
They  acknowledge,  also,  a  loss  of  14  killed,  and  88  wounded ;  but  Mr. 
Mayo,  who  was  in  charge  of  the  priae,  assures  me  that  the  number  of 
killed  was  certainly  greater.  Among  the  killed  is  Captain  Dickenson, 
who  fell  at  the  close  of  the  action,  and  the  boatswain ;  among  the  woun- 
ded, is  the  second  lieutenant,  purser,  and  two  midsliipmen.  Each  of 
the  midi^hipmen  lost  a  leg.  Having  removed  the  prisoners,  and  taken 
on  hoard  such  provisions  an:l  stores  as  would  be  useful  to  us,  1  scuttled 
the  Penguin,  this  morning  before  day-light,  and  she  went  down.  As 
she  was  completely  riddled  by  our  shot,  her  foremast  and  bowsprit  both 
gone,  and  her  mainmast  so  crippled  as  to  be  incapable  of  being  secured, 
it  seemed  unadvisable,  at  this  distance  from  home,  to  attempt  sending 
ber  to  the  United  States 

This  ship  did  not  receive  a  single  round  shot  in  her  hull,  not  any  ma- 
terial wound  in  ber  spars  !  the  rigging  and  sails  were  very  much  cut ; 
but  having  bent  a  new  suit  of  sails  and  knotted  ind  secured  our  rigging, 
we  are  now  completely  ready,  in  all  respects,  for  any  service.  We 
were  eight  men  short  of  complement,  and  had  nine  upon  the  sick  list 
the  morning  of  the  action.     Knclosed  Is  a  list  of  killed  and  wounded 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c.  J.  BIDDLE. 

AMERICAN   LOSS. 

\''         Killed,  1 —Wounded,  11. 

''>'■  BRITISH    LOSS. 

■      '       Killed,  14.— Wounded,  28. 


NOTE — The  above  Victory  was  net  reedvctl  in  time  to  be  inserted  in  itt 
proper  plme. 


•if.  ;  I.  !M  .-.; 


I '    ii       I 


ii, 


espects,  a  remark 
dge  a  complemenl 
m  the  Medway  74. 
wounded ;  but  Mr. 
hat  the  number  of 
)aplain  Dickenson, 
;  among  the  woun- 
hipmen.  Each  of 
isonera,  and  taken 
til  to  us,  1  scuttled 
e  went  down.  As 
and  bowsprit  both 
le  of  being  secured, 
to  attempt  sending 

r  hull,  nor  any  ma- 
•e  very  much  cut ; 
ecured  our  rigging, 
any  service.  We 
upon  the  sick  list 
led  and  wounded 
J.  BIDDLE. 


' i.       -•;■  -   ^  .  I'.' 

to  be.  inserted  in  iti 


n.t.u  I    .i^r:-i 

■  ■      1-    .,,,  ; 


SUBSCRIBERS    NAMES. 


407 


Peter  Ralman 
Stephen  Sullet 
Caleb  Thomas 
'Ihomas  Tilli^on 
Henry  J  Vasburgli 

Litchjicld 
liuman  Agard 
Siliis  Bigelow 
E   W.  Holies 
Ruiihael  Beach 
Samuel  Bradley 
H  Bulkley 
Sninuel  Barber 
Deiij.   Bissel 
James  Carman 
Tlios.  Crosby 
J(»lin  Churchill,  jr. 
Emus  Birununs 
jHC(»t)  Qristvold,  jr. 
Morgan  Griswold 
Arthur  O    Hard 
K  Lawrence,  jr. 
John  Laodon 
Jacob  Northrop 
Hemait  Osborn 
Eijnh  Phelps,  jr 
Josiah  Parks 
Ji»l)u  Palmer 
Emanuel  Russell 
Vim.  Rew 
James  Stone,  2d. 
Julius  Stone 
Eli  Taylor 
Asahel  Towner 
JanifS  Tryon 
£  B  Whitman 
David  We-sels 
William  Ward,  jr. 
Curtis  Williams 
Jonathan  Wright,  2d 

Lansingburgh,  N.  Y. 
John  Bt-ntley 
Joseph  Chout 
John  F  Chout 
John  Dufft'y 
Levi  Eastman 
Joshua  Griffin 
Isaac  Hasbrook 
Sheldon  Judson 
Ileuben  King 


J.  L  LHnsing 
David  iM'Murray 
ti  I.  M'Donald 
C'iiarleJ  Olmsted 

r.  B   Pa.vne 
lohn  Wright 

ljf.mx,  Mai$. 
Kranci;*  Douglass 
Isaac  Uills 

i^e,  Alaaa. 
Samuel  Bayard 
Josiah  Hadlock 
misha  Whiting 

Maiisjwld 
stephctt  G   I'lelds 
Ira  Siiaffiird 
•lamui'l  P  Reed 
MUford 
S.itn.  Buckingham,  jr. 
l-ivereit  Baldwin 
Dan  Bassett 
Vrilhony  Bristol 
lonah  CInrk 
Garry  Gillett 
N  ah  Kelsey 
,VI  isrs  Mallory,  jr. 
Peter  Mr rrimau 
Isaac  Tibhalls 
Kufus  Tibballs 

Middldonn 
Clark  &  Lyman.  .1<S8 

ManfueiniyN  Y. 
Il*>uben  Randall 

Montgomery,  V.  F. 
John  Andross 

Nem  Hartford 
(ra  Hubbell 
S.'iimim  Johnson 
ttichard  Lane 
Gilbert  Smitti 

N'orthampton,  Mass. 
\retus  Belden 
Prescot  Bartlett 
jcrsham  Clark 
Vbcl  Marsh 
White  Osboro 
Hiver  Pommy 
{■■orge  Parsons 
Vm  W  Partridge 
John  Woodard 


J         Nen-Mi'f9rd 

Israel  Graves 

^larcus  L<ickkvood 

J'tsiuh  Lrjckwood 

Orange  Mertvia 

I'^zra  Noble 

VVm.  S  Olmsted 

Kli  Starr 

lainrs  Webb 

Henry  White  .  ,  ; 

Henry  Warner 

Jiansf  Warner 

\Ra  Warner 

Oavid  Warner 
NtwHmen 

Chauncey  Allen   ,\ 
Ntmtomi 

fames  Foot 

Harry  Pinch 

Jteubrn  Northrop 
New  Lebanon 

Pilly  W  Monroe 
8  Towman 

Saamu,  S.  Y. 
Elijah  Adams 
Ittipa  Adania 
GiJeon  Barber 
Francis  Deane 
Orrin  Herman 

Thomas  Rosekrans 
G  Smith 

Nem-  BcUliinore,  JV.  Y. 
David  Adams 
Wni.  P.  Capper 
Jonathan  David 
Isaac  Titu3 
Samuel  Williams 

Or/6rrf 
Socrates  Balcam 

Omego,  N.  Y. 
Elisha  Bundy 
C.  C  R.  Creag 
Jedediah  Hunt 
r^eonard  &  Mack — 1 1 
John  Ripley 
Nathaniel  Sackett 
[James  Wright 

Orrvel,  Pa. 
[John  Cikvvles 
PThcron  Darling 


1: 

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468 


SUBSCKIBERS'  I^AMES. 


AtriHRa  Dimick 
Win  8  EHRtabrooks 
LciiiUfI  Kin  au^r 

Shehlnn  UmIw«>II 
Lt'dlHy  W'»o<tward 

IHUsJUld,  Masa. 
Burton  Baiter 
Elijah  Baggs  Jr. 
Spencer  Clurk 
Orrin  G'^odrich 
Gilbert  Graham 
"Wni.  Gay.  Jr 
Edward  Lynch 
Lyman  Pea  body 

Ridimmid,  Mass. 
BciiiHn  Uafitnn 

liuUantl,  Masa, 
Arteinu'^  Plair 
Hoxbury 

Stihnn,  Masa. 
Tijnf>th%'  M  Naniau 

Suffidd 
Thadeiia  G' anger 
Levi  Hart 
Jesse  Honaieson 
Thomas  Jostling 
EMsha  Farmalee 
Horace  Sheldon 

S}>riti/^Jield,  Mass. 
Aril'iit-  Andrus 
Daniel  Austin,  Jr. 
Daniel  Ashley 
Oliver  Allen 
Timothy  Allen 
Freeman  Allyn 
Aaron  Burriel 
Alfred  Bates 
Erastus  C  Baker 
Ben)  A.  Bennett 
Charles  Burnatn 
E.  W,  Bliss 
Wm  Bail 
Abner  Grain 
ElamChatfee 
Joshua  Crosby 
Samuel  Chandler 
John  Crook 
Elijah  Cutler 


NnJian  Croektr 
Curtis  H.  ('hH|)in 
Jdiiies  Chapman,  Jr. 
J.  seph  Carew 
Ji)><hna  i'hilds 
<)   Dickinf'un 
Julius  Oiirt 
r^ant'ord  Dnrl 
Crilvin  Kut  >n 
Ailfinijah  Poote 
iN'>ah  Fnnle 
L>\vi»  Foster 
Calvin  Gay 
Geiirgf  Hunt 
Jo»ieph  HopKins 
ilanisey  Hall 
Zrnas  Hancock 
James  Ha!«selt,  Jr. 
Luther  Hitchcock 
Michael  Hancock 
Luke  Junes 

riiienus  King 
V^'^n  Loyd 
Uav'd  Leonard 
(vhiiries  Lathrop 
Bnoch  Luden'on 
IVloses  Leonard 
Eli  Moore 
Jason  Mills 
Samuel  NoblfS,  Jr. 
Richard  Orchard 
Stephen  Popkins 
Jacob  Perkins 
John  Patrick 
Daniel  Prince 
Jesse  Pomroy 
Asa  Parsons 
Benj.  Phelps 
Czra  Richmond 
R;nuy  Russell 
i'e  irRC  Reynolds 
Kufus  Richardson 
!iimon  Sanborn 
Calvin  Shattuck 
Perez  Smith 
Horace  Stebbins 
•Vustin  Stedman 
B  S.  Tufts      i 
EberWard 
Samuel  Wardwell 


|Thf  odore  White 
AUlhan  M  Wood 
Shfjftfid 
Seal  M'Kv.  ver 
Shmmfft 
Jes!<e  G  Kiliam 

Slockhiidge.  Mass. 
Wm  Greenleaf 
Elijah  Gibbs 
jMiathan  j^ngersojl 
Jamei  Miller 
E  B   Pomroy 
Levi  Shejinrd 

Somera 
lOrrin  Clark 
iVaviini  Hall 
Au'^tin  Pitkin 

Stephenlotcn,  JV.  Y, 
P.UrS  Carr 

aleb  Carr 
J.  Carpenter 
Herman  Darling 
B    l'  Green 
Jerod  Harrison 
Georjie  Holcomb 
Wm.  Kendall 
Samuel  Post 

Sand  Lake,  N,  Y. 
David  Arnold 
Henry  O  Blunt 
Albert  Bennett 
Wm.  D   Butts 
John  Bowers 
Henry  Ciperly 
Lany  Ferry 
Silas  Hawiey 
George  Steele 
Edmund  Stoddard 
Adams  Stone 
John  Stevens,  jr.— G 
Belden  Taylor 

Torrinsford 
CyruH  Bisiseil 
Horace  Giliet 
\lfred  Mills 
John  Rood 
Samuel  Woodward 

Troy,  N.  Y. 
Joel  Akerly 
Abraham  Brower 


1 

iiii; 


SUBSCIIIIIF.US    NAXIKS. 


m* 


ore  White 
1  M  Wood 

Shfffifid 
iVKkvjt 

Shcrmo  n 
a  Killam 
'kbiidgt.  Maai, 
Orft-nleaf 

Gitibs 

mil  ^iigersoll 
.  Miller 

Poinrojr 
Biiepanl 
Soiners 

CInrk 
li  Hall 
(1  Pilkin 
thenloKn,  AT.  Y. 
;S  Carr 
>  Carr 
rpenter 
lan  Darling 

Green 
I  Harrison 
t!c  Hulcomb 

Kendall 
id  Post 

d  iMke,  JV.  Y. 
it  Arnold 

O  Blunt 
rt  Bennett 

D   Butts 

Bowers 
Ciperly 

Ferry 

Hawley 

ge  Steele 

und  Stoddard 

ns  Stone 

Stevens,  jr.— -6 

Bn  Taylor 
Torrimrford 
Bisseit 

ce  Gillet 

Mills 
Rood 

iiel  Woodward 
Troy,  N.  V. 

Aktrly 

ham  Brower 


Walter  Bugler 
Wm.  P  Davis 
tiphraim  Bacon  Jr. 
Pt  (tr  Barl 
Miita  Hytia 
John  JMUies 
Ofi)r_e  VV.  Kr««<li 
KIcukIiii  Moeker 
NHtlmo  •St<iiii- 
Saitiiici  Siiiitli 
J.  P  Sueldoa 
Juhn  Winn 
Franri^  V    Vronnet 

Tioga,  NY. 
Q.  U   Barstovv 
John  Eastabrooks 
Miles  Furuiau 
Juiio  Kusseil 
Ira  Kansom 
B.  J  WoodruB* 
Thomas  Wright 

Union,  N  Y. 
Silas  P.  Trueadale 
Joiiu  La  Grange 
Vernon 
Habb  Wyllis 

H'inatead 
J.  M  Brooks 
Jetise  Byington 
Stephen  Cables 
S.  &.  M.  Camp 
Benj.  Jennings 
Ainasd  Mailoiy 
.Tosiah  Smith  Jr. 
Kiley  Whiting 

tyirulsoe 
Samuel  Brovvu 
Thomas  Darber 
Martin  Ellsworth 
Almerin  Gillett 
Isaac  Heydeo 
Etisha  Muore 
Daniel  Porter 
John  Palmer 
Henry  Kuick 
Ueary  Stiles 

Winlonbwry 
Samuel  Brown 
Asahal  Clark  2 
lienj.  Graham 


liiauc.  Hauk'n 

Wed  tluiiford 
V   &  It  beyni'iur 
Mixaluni  Sii  diiian 
'  'hn  C  Sinnley 
ii-Ain  ^3t  itttivick 
ifiiii  WaifU'S 

iVoudiniry 

■fi'^ld 


iigton 


,i        in  Jr. 
'j  i.-vph  M  i'aliucr 
Vsahel  Strong 
N.  C.  Sanford 

H'alp.rhnn 
jJoseph  P.  Bronson 
Christopher  Merriam 
James  Merriam 
Elijah  Merriam 
Cliarles  Merriman 
fuel  P   Richards 
Vsa  Welton 
Henry  Warren 

IVulerbury 
Eiiel  Mann 

Washington 
John  B.  Allen 
Sherman  Bassett 
Lemon  Canfield 
Herinanus  Marshall 
Henry  Piatt 
Jo«iah  Reynolds 
Silas  Tracey 
Nathaniel  Taylor 
Vl.inin  Whillesey 

Wallerford,  JV.  Y. 
Alanoah  Brace 
Z')|)har  Beach 
J   11.  Douglass 
Wm.  FowFer 
F  H  Harris 
J   U.  Mabbeth 
>J   Payn«»  Jr. 
Wm  Russell 
John  Robsoii 
David 'Spencer 
N.  G  Vanderburg 
^llViiman  Webster 


Winthor,  N.  Y    • 
ti»r,ri;e  Harper 

WtHturh.  JV.  V. 
'Jnniis  biliin^s 
Henry  Clark 
Kuiiklin  I  osier 
U  hn  G.ren  Jr. 
Daiiiel  Garrlnier  Jr. 
Daniel  Huyek 
Zinos  W.  Lay 
Wm   MClure 
Diiriil  Rugar 
F.« (ieuck  Rosekransc 
I)   J   D  Verpiaiik 
W.  Springjiild,  Masn, 
Benj    Ashley  Jr. 
Genubeth  Bliss 
Hosea  Bliss 
Hiram  Baggs 
Samuel  Carter 
Daniel  Dole 
Waterman  lUlis 
James  Kent 
Owen  TiOomis 
Gains  Munger 
lohu  Porter 
George  Phelps 
John  Rockwell 
Jerry  Stebbios 
Wm.  Tinker 

Wysox  Pa. 
Clarisa  W  B;  rstonr 
Cyp  Grant 
Godfrey  Vouch 
Jlniherxt 
H.  James  &,  S.  Mortoi 

Jlshfurd 
t^lisha  Kinney 
itlrastus  Stebbins 
Caleb  Lewis 
Samuel  Collins 
fVederick  Cutter 
Andrew  Perkins 
Job  Wheaton 
.Simeon  Staples  jr. 
George  Nichols 
Leonard  Simmons 

Barkhumslcd 
Truman  Walling 
GeoriEre  Deming 


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470 


SUBSCRIBERS    NAMEtf. 


',h  i{  i 


!    !l 


A.     , 


Bellomt  Folia 
William  liowell 
Orrio  Hikes 

Bant 
Joseph  SeltoQ 

Canaan 
Oren  Perry 
Albert  Keys 
Nathl.  Foster 
N.  homiah  Uubbell 
Silas  Cook 
Latt  Kingsbury 
Frederick  J  Fane 
W  Mead 
Lawrence  Mix 
Solomon  Petts 
Jarpi)  Hinsdale 
MIcah  B.  Welioo 
Herman  Hinsdale 
Samuel  Ferij;U8on 
Sebastian  C.  Dean 
IFalter  Hfwit 
Braiirord  Deaa 
Isaac  Mix 
Obas.  Rundall.jr. 

ColfJtrotie 
Eli  Morshall 
Alien  Dtfrnlng 
Samuel  Barber 
Michael  Orinell,  jr. 
Barnes  Hubbard 
Jared  Rexrord 
Eli»ha  Loomia 
Stephen  Hart 
Joel  Loomia 
Enos  North 
Seth  Dart 
Roman  Perry 
Chauncey  Peny 
Reuben  BoIIps,  2d. 
Wm.  Pierpont,  2d. 
Bubbell  West 
Thomas  Simons 
Elisiia  Howell 
Canton 
John  Coiyer,  jr. 
James  Golyer 

CorntviUl 
Wm    Bennett 
Frederick  Main 


jiEdmund  Cole 
Joel  Barnes 
J^tsiah  Dean     '    ' 
David  W  Norton 

Claremota  VV.H. 
loses  Gay 
George  W  Farge 
Uriel  Dean 
David  Hitchcock 
Cliarles  Higbe  jr 
Joseph  Whitmore 
Benedict  Tyler 
Beta  1  Shury 
Charles  Stearnea 

Charleston  N  U. 
Richard  M'c  Crae 
Josiah  Hartjr 

Crangton  (R.  I ) 
Piiilip  Warer 

Chdsta 
larrey  Hale 

ChnrM*m 
vVilliam  P'»illp8 
Dudley 
Bphraim  Upliara 
Barlow  S.  Wild 
(bphraim  Adams 
Jacob  C.  Gould 
/tseph  Schollield 
Daniel  Mullet 

Doi^loMn 
Samuel  H'*lbrook 
'lenjamln  Craggen 
Oomrort  Gould 
Thomas  P  Gordon 
\mos  Alarch  jr. 
Calvin  Gould 
/oseph  Lee 
John  0alcom  jr. 
U  S  Rowson 
Stephen  Kemrson 
Theodore  Stone 
Vloses  Knap 
Rurus  Gould 
Allen  Starnes 
Elias  Guild 
Robert  fV  Rammett 
Liberty  fr<>od 
Samuel  B.  G>>ddard 
Qawdoin  Arostow 


Dexler  Shove 
ComrortB  Thorpe 
Charlea  Martin 
Reuben  IFhite 
/ohn  Andrews 
VIelcome  Whipple 
Sylvanus  Cone 
\rnold  Imnar 
Mosefl  Taft 
Levi  Hubbard 
Nelson  Thayer 
Preston  Wilmorth 
George  Doud 
Elisha  Thayer 

EaatUartford 
'net  Simonds 
Roswcll  Williams 
Russell  Burnham 
Giles  Burnbam 
\u-it:<i  Evans 

Ellington 
Rurus  Parsons 

GratiAy 
\lpheu3  Bartlett 
Reuben  Case 
Nathan  Gillett 
Clark  Ri<;e 

Goshen 
Truman  Siarr 
Thomas  Munsoa 
Niles  Thompson 
Benedict  Sweet 
Horace  Cook 
Selah  North 
Hiram  Cobb 
Julius  Gri»woId 
PhineasCook      : -) 
Tracy  Cook 
Wm.  Brown 
Charles  F.  Butler 
Judah  Lewis 
Augustus  Miles 
Ladowick  Deniaon 

Ormntilte 
Waterman  Corlhen 

Har{fbrd 
John  W  Sweelland 

HarUand  !'<< 
'onathan  Bugly 
IB,  Spoonec 


LibJ 


BliOTe 
HB  Thorpe 

8  Martia 
n  White 
Indrpws 
me  Whipple 
lus  Cone 

ImDar 

raft 
lubbard    -^ 

Thayer 
n  Witmorth 

9  Doud 
Thayer 

lal- Hartford 
ioinnds 
ill  Williams 

El  Burnham 
lurnbam 
I  Evans 
Ellington 
Parsons 

Ortotlty 
us  Aartlett 
in  Case 
•1  Qillett 
Ri<'.e 

Goshen 
lan  Siarr 
las  MnnsflB 
Thonopson 
lict  Sweet 
:e  Cook 

North 
iCobb 
I  Gri»wold 
asCook     ;    ) 
f  Cook     "' 
Brown 
es  F.  Butler 
I  Lewis 
itus  Miles 
wick  Deniaon 

OrmnvUte 
irman  CorlhcB 

Hartford 
W  Sweellsnd 

UartUmd 
han  Bugly 


looner 


t-' 


SUBSCRIBERS^  J^MIES. 


Alhamj(N.  Y) 

Jacob  B  Angus 

Wm.  Adams 

Wm.  Anderson 

John  Black 

Moses  Blakeman 

Edward  Bulkley 

Gaius  Clark 

L.  P.  Crary 

Alvin  Crettenden 

Ann  Y.  Carlow 

Elijah  S.  Cnrpenter 

Joshua  Dresser 

Joseph  Deaison 

Jacob  Duessler 

Solomon  Enders 

Samuel  Emery 

Timothy  Fletcher 

Wm.  n  Fowler 

Wm.  Forman 

Ranssellear  Gansevort 

John  Groat 

Z.  Galusba 

r.  P.Gould 
S.  W.  Goodwin 
Eleazer  Hull 
Gersham  HinckL°y 
Francis  Janes 
Stephen  Janes 
)>!.  W.  Johnson 
David  Johnson 
•Sarah  Ann  Johnson 
Asa  L.  Johnson 
P.  W.  Joraleman 
■lames  f.ewis 
David  liyncli 
John  M'Farran 
.lames  Nutts 
Denj.  Ostrauuer 
Merchant  Price 
Samuel  Parsons 


(Charles  Rice 
.Todeph  Pobbids 
P  S.  Van  Rensellear 
Josiah  Smith 

H.  Sturtevant 
S.  B.  Sherwood 
Elisha  Tripp 
Henry  Turner 
Aaron  Tyler 
Richard  Thomas 
ijohn  Trotter 
Charles  Vandorvoort 
Harvey  Williams 
J.  A.  Wemple 
James  Warren 
Samuel  L  White 
Wm.  Wood 
James   Winchester 
Eli  Wadsworth 

Bradford  (PaJ 
Samuel  Dunham 
Jonah  Fox 
Jonathan  Pease 
Beiij.  Shoemaker 

Bozrah 
George  W.  JillsoD 

Berlin 
Wm.  Steele 

BolUm 
Henry  S.  Tucker 

BinghanUct,S .  Y. 
Harlow  Barnaby 
Aurora  Bnrrell 

S.  Cloze 

James  M'Kenny 
David  H.  Peas 
Tracy  Robinson 
Henry  T.  Shipman 

Bristol 
James  Hart 
Orrin  Brorison 
69  ...      . 


Boookfield 
Amon  Dibble 
Phadeus  Gray- 
Stephen  Gregory 
J.  Wileman 

Berkshire 
Isaac  Keeler 
Johnson  Tuttle 

Belhteliem  A  Y. 
Joseph  Babcock — 1 1 

I\mos  Bailey 
Elijah  Comstock 
riiomas  Carbart 
farvis  Streeter 
Paul  Weatherbee 

Coventry 
I.  Ripley 

Columbia 
iVIosely  Brewster 
/esse  Newcomb 
Chatham 
Geore;e  Gates 

Cairo  N  Y. 
Charles  P.  Howell 
Nathaniel  Stone 

Chenango  N.  Y. 
IMason  Whiting 
Canaan 
Wm.  Bailey 

Chatham  N.  Y. 
James  Barnes 
Cornelius  Kesler 
A  £.  Mo>iber 
Wm.  Peterson 
Daniel  Travies 
Coeymcns  JV.  Y. 
I  Zimry  Belts 
Andrew  Barger 
Stephen  Coverts  jr. 
\  Vathan  Coleman 
Robert  Martin  jr. 


466 


SUUSCRIBEns    NAMES. 


■\m    I 


.11!  ,        il 


i  " 

l'  1 

i 

11     1 

i  i  '^ 

t''  ' 

IT  • 

!    i 


Simpon  Piifler 

Jacii^)  RMiidall 

John  Row 

Dnviil  Spriagsted  Jr. 

Eli  Stewart 

Jessp  Smith 

A  I)  Schermerborn 

Ira  Si  ink  ins 

Israel  Shears 

Jarob  J  .Schermerborn 

John  Teneyck 

Thomas  Wilbec 

James  Waldron 
DarAury. 

Israel  Anibitr 

Lemuel  W.  Benedict 

T  R    Urown 

Piatt  Benedict 

Walter  Brig^ 

Elam  Benedict 

Walter  Dibble 

John  Foot 

N  S.  Penney 

John  VV  Gould 
Ebenezer  Hack,  jr. 
Aaron  Hoyt 
Zar  Joyce 
Jonathan  Lygctt 
Znlmon  Lyon 
John  Murphey 
David  S  Mygatt 
Joseph  Moore 
Aaron  Nichols 
Thomas  R  Peck 
Wm.  Peck 
John  Smith 
Hugh  Starr 
John  F.  Smith 
Eleazer  Sprague 
Samuel  Tweedy 
James  B.  Weed 

Durham,  N.  Y. 
T.  H.  Bagley 
Thos.  Carter,  jr. 
Wm  T.  Howell 
John  Shafeth 
Vincent  Stilwill 
Ebenezer  Tyler 
A.  Van  TasseU 


l» 


Deposit,  N  Y 
Wm   Butler 
I         Enal  tVtndsor 
rTimothy  Allyo 
;Reuh«n  Reed 
Jusiah  Wilbur 

East  Hartford 
jDarda  Bidwfll 
jiElei'ta  Kilbourn 
Daniel  Marsb,  2d. 


C.  Piikin 
Enfitld 
Nabum  King 
Abner  Russell 
Charles  Rucid 
Ebeneser  Richardson 

Fartmngion 
James  K  Camp 
A  W  LaiiKdnn 
Lemuel  Whitman 
I  Fairfield 

Amos  Burr 
Ephraim  OinniDgs 
Jonathan  Lewis 
Ooshin 
Lewis  C.  Wadhama 

Gtaslenbury 
David  Porter 

Oreenteich,  N  Y. 

John  Williams 
areenviUti,N.  Y 

Gideon  Cobb 

Joshua  Nelson 

Reuben  Bundle,  jr. 
Hartford 

Silas  Andrus— 200 

Augustus  Andross 

Harry  Burr 

Thontas  Cooley 

Grin  Day 

James  Foster 

Ephraim  Goodwin 

Wm  S.  Marsh— 1000 

Alfred  Milts 

Wm  J.  M'Cready 

Joshua  Miller 

Frederick  Robins 

Wm.  RusRell 

Amareth  Smith 

lEIijab  Smith 


|John  Steele,  2d. 

Wm  Thoiitpson 

Horace  Wells 

A  m  Weare 

Harmuton 

Frederick  Phelps 

David  Wooriin 
Hudson,  N.  Y. 

Kichard  Barker 

Henry  Burehstead. 

Jerod  Ct>ffin 
tihn  G.  Davis 

A   L  Fonda 

Eliaa  Hopkins 

John  W  Jenkins 

Samuel  Munsoo 

Henry  Miner 

C.  G  Pinkham 

John  Paddock 

Walter  Studley 

Frederick  Starr 

Lemuel  Steele,  jr. 
D.  W  Williams 

Lvman  Webster 
HarpersfifJd,  X  Y. 

James  Austin 

llames  Bell 

■Jacob  Foote 

Irhomas  Hendry 

nMathew  Lindley 
Thomas  Maxou 
Abner  Mack 
Daniel  Matthews 
Ebenezer  Peimfield 
Truman  Pennfield 
E  Wilcoa 

Huntington 
Hezi'kiuh  Mnrsh 
Hntndm 


Rev  E.  B  Coleman 
Hillsdale,  JV.  Y. 
George  A ll'^n 
Reymond  Hadsit 
Zodock  Koapp 
8te|.hen  W.  Murray 
Daniel  Morehouse 
Benjamin  Tiffanny 
Kinderhook,  N.  Y. 

f "Jacob  D.  Crofman 
Aaron  Gardnier 


.#- 


SUBSCRIBERS*  NAMES. 


471 


teele,  2d. 
'hompson 

Wells 
Veare 
Harwinlon 
jck  Phelps 
Woodii) 
ubon,  JV.  Y. 
d  Barker 

Biirrhgtead. 
Coffin 
3.  Davii 
Poiula 
Hopkins 
W  Jenkins 
el  Munson 
r  Miner 

Pinkham 
Paddnck 
er  Studley 
i>rick  Starr 
iiel  Steele,  jr. 

W  Williams 
an  W«'b»ter 
trpersfield,  .*''.  Y. 
•s  Austin 
is  Bell 
b  Fonte 
mas  Hendry 
lew  Lindley 
mas  Maxou     , 

er  MhcU 

iel  Mattliews 

ii'xer  Peiiiifield 

nan  Pennfield 

rilcox 
Huntinglon 
kiuh  Mnrsh 
Hamden 
E.  B  Coleman 

Hillsdale,  JV.  Y. 

rpe  All'-n 

mond  Hadsit 

nek  Knapp 
hen  W.  Murray 

ie!  Morehouse 

jainin  Tiffanny 

'inderhook,  N.  Y. 

)b  D.  Crorman 

on  Gardnier 


Aaron  IHIIard  jr. 
Joseph  Amsden  jr. 
James  B  Sumner 
Peter  Gebuoa 
Zebina  Lull 

Hartford  Vt. 
Ana  Kembafl 
Jonathan  W.  Gay 
David  Matson 
Edward  Kibbe 
Job  Densmore 
Nathan  Hayes 
Joseph  M.  Buvkland 
David  Trumbull 
Harvey  Bruce 
George  E.  IFales 
Moses  Marsh 

Johnaton,  R.  I. 
George  R.  Stone 
Isaac  Harris 
William  Waterman 
Movrny  Remball 
J')b  Waterman 
John  B.  Brown 
Harvy  Smith 
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William  Cullen 
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J.  D  Kumba!e 
A.  J.  0.  Seaham 
G    B   Hutchins 
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OIney  Williams 
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Kent 
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Ira  Judd 

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Sam.  Stuart 

Keem 
James  Wells 
Josiah  W  ood 


W»i.  Sawyer 
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Antone  Helt 
/<>hn  W  Eaton 
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Ludlow 
ftseph  Sheldon 

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Montague 
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Momon 
Thos  Riddle 
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Auii;u»tus  Stebbins 
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B  ii.  A.  fKhiting 
SamI   JKells 
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Sand  Patten 
l<Iaoch  Noyes 
('yril  B.  Aldrich 
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f  >hn  Cadwell 

Norlhfield 
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/ohn  /lowers 
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/esse  Thom|ison 

New  Marlborough 
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Burr  &k  Adams 
Salmon  Mnson 
Isaac  Cleveland 
Edwin  Bfnton 
Oaiiiel  Tatt 
David  Foster 

New  Hartford 
Aaron  Merrill 
B  Spencer  ' 

North  Bridge. 
Joel  Lackey 
Lyman  Fay 
S.  L.  Alarich      *     « 
Sam  Whiting 
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Oxford 
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ihn  Barns 
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Providence 
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aktndLsfietd,  Masi', 
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f'jseph  Wolcott 
Harmon  Bosworth 
\bner  hherwin 
James  Burt 

Sharott 
Thos  Miller 
Trowbridge  Lockwo'O 
Chas.  R  Brown 

i>Tathcr  Dibble 
\^'In.  M'ilUaiTi- 


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SaUbury 
Chas.  Wright 
Edward  N.  Holley 
Benjamin  Hinman 
Chauncey  Bragg 
Stephen  Patterson 
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Benjamin  Q.  Olmsted 

SuUon 
Jonathan  Howard 

Samuel  Williams 
Sheffield 

I^UTaft,jr. 

Heber  Bosworth 

Plin  Bri£;ham 

Slafford 

Cyrus  Thompson 

Samuel  Blass,  jr. 

Joseph  N    fraies 

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Robert  Cook 

Abiatfaer  Fl^hiie 

Daniel  Theny 

Thomas  Bettlehill 
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Sam.  Burt 

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John  Putnan 

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tohn  Jacobs  4th. 

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Torrington 
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Samuel  Spencer 
Uri  Taylor 
Nathan  Gillett 
Abtjah  Osborn 
Curtiss  Tuttle 
Horace  Cowles 
Thomas  Hurlbut 
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Preston  Pond 
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Selden  Welton 
James  Wright 
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Alexander  Cleveland 
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Daniel  White 
Oliver  White 
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Aaron  G.  Fish 
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